Old Goa: The Association of Christian Philosophers of India (ACPI) will host its 44th Annual Research Seminar at the St Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre, Old Goa, from October 23 to October 25.
The Seminar, which will focus on the theme “Philosophising Science: Promises, Perils and Possibilities,” will be co-hosted by the Indian Institute of Science and Religion (IISR), Delhi.
Archbishop of Goa and Daman Filipe Neri Ferrao will be the chief guest and will inaugurate the seminar, while the keynote address will be delivered by Fr Job Kozhamthadam SJ, Director of the Indian Institute of Science and Religion (IISR), Delhi.
As many as 25 papers will be presented by experts in several philosophical and scientific areas of specialisation from across the country.
About 100 participants, including about 70 teachers and research scholars, and around 30 masters and doctoral students, are expected to attend the research seminar.
“The theme “Philosophising Science” has to do with the philosophical critique of science from diverse yet wholesome Indian and Christian perspectives. The subtheme “Promises, Perils and Possibilities” lends itself to discussions pertaining to positive, dysfunctional and futuristic aspects of various features and disciplines of the scientific enterprise,” says Dr (Fr) Keith D’Souza, SJ, President of ACPI and Rector at St Xavier’s College, Mumbai.
“We hope to be able to raise substantive and critical issues regarding the nature, scope and offerings of science and technology.”
“We need to create a critical consciousness which will counter not only superstition and archaic beliefs connected with traditional thinking, but also challenge developments of science and especially technology to take into account issues of developmental inequality, environmental degradation, unemployment brought about by mechanization, and several other social problems,” Dr D’Souza added.
Having been functioning since the last 44 years, Dr D’Souza said the ACPI has over 150 life members.
Commenting on the contribution of ACPI to Indian society so far, Dr D’Souza said: “The ACPI has helped provide texts on several key philosophical issues from an Indian and Christian perspective.”
“Besides bringing out 24 books on diverse themes, with contributions from experts who have studied in various parts of the world and the nation, we have also come out with a two-volume encyclopedia in 2010.”
“We have provided a forum for those teaching and studying in various ecclesiastical institutions all over the country to interact with each other for more than 40 years. The firm philosophical foundation that we are helping to form is necessary for a sound and wholesome theological formation, and in turn a productive pastoral and social praxis.”
“It is the field of philosophy in particular which enables cultural and religious leaders to adopt a balanced and comprehensive perspective in their leadership positions. We have done our little bit in helping towards the formation of such leaders,” Dr D’Souza added.
Courtesy: Goan Network