Acropolis News

“Thinking freely, acting together” was the title of an evening program organized by the Hunyadi Cultural Center of New Acropolis Hungary in the context of World Philosophy Day 2016. The activities focused on what philosophy can provide as weapons against hatred and social exclusion which are so characteristic of our times. The program began with a brief talk about the human ideal according to the ancient Greeks. Participants also worked in teams to test and further develop their cooperative team-building skills throughout various exercises. The program ended with participants enjoying a musical version of a poem by John Donne.

For another year, Russia celebrated the annual festival ‘Philosophy as a way of life’ – dedicated to commemorate World Philosophy Day – with the motto ‘Searching for Harmony’. The New Acropolis Chelyabinsk branch participated for the first time with a program of activities entitled ‘The human being in search of harmony’. Via different types of art (cinema, theater, music) participants undertook an unusual journey through time and space. How can we find harmony with ourselves, with people and with the world around us in our difficult and tumultuous time? Trying to answer these questions, participants turned into characters from the book The Little Prince by Saint-Exupéry, traveled to Florence during the  Renaissance period and even became … sea-gulls from the famous story by Richard Bach. At the end of the event all participants united for a final song. The event was attended by a large audience, as well as by the head of the Department of Philosophy from one of the most prevalent universities of the Urals region.

In collaboration with the Arad Complex Museum, the museum of History and Archaeology of the city, New Acropolis took part once again this year, in the ‘Night of Museums’ with various thematic workshops. On this occasion, in addition to the traditional painting of archaeological reproductions workshop, volunteers offered a workshop in Japanese calligraphy, an opportunity to involve visitors in the world of colors, symbols, aesthetics and philosophy.

‘Beauty’, was the protagonist this year of the tribute which New Acropolis Catania made to World Philosophy Day. For three days a varied program of lectures, workshops, performances, etc. was carried out. Dr. Daniele Iozzia, researcher of history of ancient philosophy, and Dr. Manuela Di Paola of New Acropolis, respectively spoke about “Beauty: Paradoxes and kalliphobia in aesthetics from Plato to the present day” and “Gathered by the beautiful”.

A screening of the video created by New Acropolis volunteers “Catania: the beauty of every day”, also took place.

A workshop open to the public focusing on appreciating beauty in all circumstances and a performance entitled “Beauty will save the world”, gave way to musical activities on the last day, through the masterful lecture about its origins by Giuseppe Severini, director of the Casa della Musica of Randazzo (Catania).

During their forth encounter, the ‘Book Club’ discussed the work of Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quijote de la Mancha, the story of a hero who tries to restore lost values to humanity. Participants discussed the symbolism of the book as well as the relevance of Don Quixote with regards to our current times.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxOOOCxJ2jY

New Acropolis Bucharest celebrated World Philosophy Day, and the program of activities this year included a thematic exhibition entitled “History and Philosophical Ideas”: a journey remembering great philosophers along with their most important ideas.

The event began with the lecture entitled “Thoughts on time, destiny and free will”, given by the national director of New Acropolis Romania, Professor Ivo Ivanovici. In the next days three documentary films about the ancient Egyptian civilization were screened, and a series of open philosophical debates took place focusing on the following topics:
· The inner self, what’s involved in this process and what criteria must we use to evaluate our actions, thoughts, and emotions? · Time: the theme is inspired by the ideas of Seneca in his work ‘The Brevity of life’ · The search for values: about materialistic, spiritual, personal and universal values.

“Finding a meaning to our actions is a key factor to achieve happiness”, explained Rafael Orante, director of the urban center of New Acropolis
Próceres.