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The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens will officially celebrate World Philosophy Day in Athens with an event to be held on Thursday, 20 November 2025, at 14:00, in the Great Hall of the Central Building of the NKUA (30 Panepistimiou Street, 106 79 Athens), in the presence of the university authorities and with the honorary participation of Michael Sandel, Professor of Political Philosophy at Harvard University, one of the most distinguished thinkers of our time. The event is co-organised with the Municipality of Athens, as part of the series of initiatives “The NKUA in the City” (coordinator: Professor Achilleas Chaldaeakes).
In 2025, the celebration acquires particular significance for Greece, as the NKUA, following a decision of the University Council, has proceeded with the institutional establishment of an official celebration of World Philosophy Day, accepting a joint proposal by the Department of Philosophy (School of Philosophy) and the Department of History and Philosophy of Science (School of Science).
The celebration of the Day was established by UNESCO in 2002, with the aim of highlighting the enduring importance of philosophical thought as a foundation for the development of the human spirit, both on an individual and on a cultural level. In 2005, the General Conference of UNESCO officially recognised the institution, designating its annual observance on the third Thursday of November.
This celebration seeks to promote critical thinking, public dialogue and philosophical education as means of advancing reason, democracy and humanism. Philosophy, as a quest for truth and wisdom, makes a vital contribution to self-knowledge and to the understanding of the world, while at the same time constituting the foundation of the humanistic ideal and a driving force of societies’ intellectual development.
The event aspires to become an institution that bridges the academic and public spheres, showcasing philosophy as a living and essential tool for understanding the world and our era. By celebrating this day in the homeland of philosophy, in the country that gave it birth and in the city of Athens, where philosophical discourse reached its highest flourishing, the NKUA honors the timeless bond between this place and the spirit of philosophy, linking the global institution with the cradle of philosophical thought.
For further information regarding the program and participation, those interested may visit the social media pages of the NKUA and the Municipality of Athens.
Event Date: Thursday, 20 November 2025
Venue: Central Building of NKUA, Great Hall – 30 Panepistimiou Street, 106 79 Athens
Keynote Speaker: Professor Michael Sandel (Harvard University)