A great number of people think that education is limited to nurturing skills that could bring money to the pocket and food on the table. Education is and should generate income, they say so. Philosophy students from the College of Liberal Arts would like to eloquently disagree with this โgreat number of peopleโ.
Humid afternoons are not ideal for discussions, but nothing can hamper the pursuit of wisdom of the fourth year Philosophy students who, on the 27th of March presented their Theses at the Saint Pope Paul VI Seminary. Opening the series of presentations is a message from Mr. Emmarlone Ravago who made it clear to the audience what research is โ a rediscovery, seeing clearly the veiled reality of things, encountering again those ideas that we had first impressions of, making conclusions upon the things we rediscover along the way.
The presentations ranged from Ancient Philosophy with Platoโs concept of the Philosopher King to the examination of the art of Photography through the lens of Vilรฉm Flusser. Subdivided into plenary and parallel presentations, one can really attest to the sharpness of mind of the presentors. From Franklโs Nรถodynamics to the Sysiphian Myth of Camus, the question of the meaning of life emerged and were freely judged and silently scrutinized by the audience who were also hungry for fresh ideas. From the lens of Platoโs Kallipolis, Seminarian Tuyan discussed the concept of a philosophizing leader in relation to national welfare and the much debated issue on political dynasties. Then came Confucius, with Sem. Paeldin who not only greeted us in Mandarin, but also made us think how existentialist themes can be deduced from the Confucian Analects. Seminarian Jo gave an answer to the question of Artificial Intelligence. His study on the Utilitarian Analysis of AI use among Filipino students applying Millโs Greatest Good concluded that Artificial Intelligence tools should be regarded as facilitators, not a replacement for human reasoning.
The presentations were widely ranged, even the phenomenon of โThirst Trappingโ also made a remarkable impression upon those listening. Finally, Mr. Saimar Basong concluded the presentations with his study on Photography beyond representation wherein the camera is seen as a programmed system, that it does not capture images alone but rather shapes the image that it captures. His presentation concluded with the notion: Playing against the apparatus (the camera) becomes a form of resistance against predetermined views of Photography.
Concluding the series of presentations, Mr. Ravago and Fr. Johnrey Sibi, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts offered positive insights, that philosophy still matters in the modern world. It matters all the more.
The afternoon passed unnoticed, wisdom can also be hypnotizing. That afternoon, wisdom came alive, from those people who really love her.
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Words: John Russel Manlangit | The Josephinian
Photos: Manuel Francis Corollo | The Josephinian
