The goal of this course is to develop the critical, cultural, and human capacities of workers.
Philosophy and work have come together for the eighth consecutive year within the dstgroup (a Portuguese business group operating primarily in the fields of engineering and construction), through a philosophy course that, in this second year of the 4th Cycle of Studies, involves more than 700 employees.
In partnership with the Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences at the Portuguese Catholic University (UCP) in Braga, this project aims to foster critical thinking, the ability to question, and individual freedom through a curriculum that covers areas such as logic, aesthetics, philosophy of religion, contemporary thought, anthropology, metaphysics, politics, economics, and art.
According to José Teixeira, chairman of the Board of Directors of dstgroup, the following “authors and works of great complexity and relevance” were selected for this year: *History of the Future* by António Vieira; Adam Smith’s *The Wealth of Nations* and *The Theory of Moral Sentiments*; Paul Ricoeur’s *Oneself as Another* and *Philosophy, Ethics, and Politics*; and Kant’s *Critique of Pure Reason*, *Critique of Practical Reason*, and *Critique of Judgment*.”
The organizer also reveals in a statement that “a very special author, a mystical philosopher who wrote about work and faith,” was chosen. This is Simone Weil, through her works *Roots* and *Gravity and Grace*. José Teixeira explains that “the choices are not arbitrary and always revolve around the idea of practical wisdom, ‘phrónesis,’ an ethics of the essentials, duty for its own sake, the awareness we must have of the moral law—of ‘reason as fact,’ spirituality, objective morality, equity as a corrective measure, and freedom.”
This course was developed in 2020 and, since then, has seen growing participation among employees. In the most recent session alone, which drew approximately 500 participants, enrollment increased by more than 50% compared to the previous cycle.
“When we deal with concrete matters, we tend to seek certainties. This ‘immersion’ in philosophy—in its thinkers, schools of thought, and controversies—challenges us to question our deepest convictions, to become aware of the boundlessness of reflection, and of the fact that it is rarely possible to reach absolute consensus. Confronting our own biases, rather than causing cognitive discomfort, fosters within us a broader empathy that enables us to understand and accept perspectives and worldviews radically different from our own,” explains Aníbal Cardona, Senior Occupational Safety and Health Specialist at dstgroup.
For his part, Bruno Nobre, director of the Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences at UCP, emphasizes that “reflection on the great philosophical controversies in the history of thought becomes a true laboratory for thinking about what it means to be human,” asserting that he has no doubt that “this experience stimulates workers’ creativity and critical thinking” and expressing confidence that it “contributes to shaping better citizens at a moment in history when the ability to think is absolutely essential.”
Professor Carlos Morais is responsible for the scientific coordination of the course, with Professor Bruno Nobre also involved.
In addition to Philosophy, the dstgroup’s educational offerings include neuroscience, first aid for mental health issues, art, theater, and creative cooking. The dst school provides a framework for continuous learning that complements the technical and professional training offered by the group.
