The Highlight of the Evening: Hartmut Rosa鈥檚 Transformative Vision
Renowned sociologist and philosopher Hartmut Rosa delivered the keynote address, captivating the audience with his new concept of social energy that he presented in preview at UNESCO. Rosa likened this energy to the force that propels societal dynamics, drawing parallels with physical energy in motion. He emphasized that social energy, created through human interaction, drives collective change and shapes a "good life" centered on resonance鈥攚ith the world, others, and our work.
Rosa identified a dual energy crisis threatening this resonance: ecological depletion and psychosocial burnout. He warned against the relentless demand for growth, which drains individuals and societies of the energy needed for meaningful change.
We are running fast but incapable of real change
Rosa concluded by challenging the audience to rethink energy鈥攏ot as something possessed, but as something created collectively.
Democratizing Philosophy: A Path to Equality and Transformation
A key theme of the evening was the democratization of philosophy. Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences at UNESCO, along with Charlotte Casiraghi, Founder of Les Rencontres Philosophiques de Monaco and Edwige Chirouter, Chairholder of the 鈥淧hilosophy with children鈥 UNESCO chair in Nantes-Universit茅, emphasized that philosophy is not an abstract academic pursuit but a tool for fostering dialogue and addressing real-world challenges.
Philosophy is not just a way to understand the world鈥攊t is a way to change it
Six students from the Maison de la Philosophie in Romainville shared how philosophy had transformed their lives, encouraging critical thinking and self-expression. 鈥Philosophy feeds our imagination and our ability to listen to others,鈥 one student reflected. Their stories highlighted the importance of introducing philosophy early in education to empower youth and bridge social gaps.
The Role of Philosophy in Addressing Poverty
The roundtable 鈥淧hilosophy and Poverty: Repairing Social Cohesion鈥, moderated by Mario Pezzini, explored how social philosophy can tackle systemic inequality. Panelists highlighted exclusion as both a consequence and a cause of poverty.
Extreme poverty makes people invisible. But through philosophy, we can give them a voice again.
Amina Zakhnouf, co-founder of Je m'engage pour l'Afrique, and Philosopher J煤lia Casamasso Mattoso agreed that philosophy offers the tools to reframe societal injustices, address systemic oppression and mobilize collective social energy to drive solutions.
A Global Celebration of Thought
World philosophy Day is an international celebration. In Nairobi for instance, Professor PLO Lumumba inspired attendees with his advocacy for justice, while in Bangkok, a roundtable at the Alliance Fran莽aise explored why philosophy matters in modern society. The discussions united voices from different cultures, all calling for collective action to rethink societal structures and expand access to philosophical dialogue.
A Call to Action: Philosophy for a Better Tomorrow
World Philosophy Day ended with a powerful message: Philosophy must count more. By integrating it into education and policy, societies can ignite the social energy needed to tackle complex challenges and build inclusive futures.
The energy we need to create change is not something we own鈥攊t is something we participate in. And in this room, it is clear we can create it together.
See more pictures of the event .