On the occasion of World Philosophy Day, the Nueva Acrópolis philosophy school in Volgograd hosted the seminar ‘From Chemistry Classes to the Chemistry of Love’. The event, led by Dr Larisa Shílina, candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, professor of chemistry, Distinguished Educator of the Russian Federation and ‘Knight of Humanistic Pedagogy’, offered a profound reflection on teaching and human relations.

Dr Shílina, a disciple of the renowned pedagogue Shalva Amonashvili, presented the fundamentals of the humanistic-personal approach in contemporary education in the first part. She shared her experience in the practical application of this methodology, which places the integral development of the student at the centre of the educational process.

Subsequently, participants had the unique opportunity to attend a simulation of a school chemistry class on the types of chemical bonds. Under Dr. Shílina’s guidance, a traditionally complex topic was transformed into a fascinating exploration, drawing parallels between the interactions of elements and the dynamics of human relationships.

The third part was devoted to a philosophical dissertation on ‘the love of chemistry and the chemistry of love.’ The speaker argued that teaching and learning are meaningless without a foundation of genuine affection and connection. She revealed how the fundamental principles of this ancient science hold the keys to understanding the essence of love and the nature of bonds.

The seminar concluded with a discussion in which the educator answered questions about her career, the challenges of implementing humanistic methods and, of course, about happiness and the central role of love in education. This activity served as a concrete proposal for rethinking education from a more comprehensive and human perspective.