Philosophy means love of wisdom and involves the search for wisdom to explain the mystery of existence and therefore search for answers and solutions to the myriad problems that affect humanity.

Philosophy stands for development of human beings through science. It also stands for human security. It should guide our day to day living and work. Of crucial importance is that philosophy provides possible solutions to various human catastrophes like the Tsunami, Terrorist bombings, HIV/AIDS all, which call for philosophical research and creation of fora for intellectual debate.

For this reason, UNESCO supports philosophical programmes that include:-
• Culture of Peace and non-violence.
• Democracy, Educational development, Promotion of human rights including gender rights.

Celebrations to mark the 4th World Philosophy day in Kenya in 2005 were held at Moi University, Eldoret, on November 7, 2005. The theme for 2005 was “The Role of Philosophy in Contemporary Society”. As a key activity to mark the day, the Social and Human Sciences sector of the National Commission for UNESCO, organized an open day at Moi University attracting participants from all Universities in Kenya, UNESCO Clubs in schools, UNESCO Youth and the UNESCO Nairobi Office.

During the occasion, the noble role of philosophy was underscored with the speakers and facilitators challenging stakeholders, particularly the philosophical Association of Kenya (PAK), to promote philosophizing in a bid to resolve certain socio-economic problems in Africa in general and particularly in Kenya.

The day’s highlights were as follows:-

Why Philosophy day
at UNESCO
In a paper presented by Dr. John N’kinyangi, Regional Adviser for Social and Human Sciences, UNESCO Regional Office, Nairobi. Philosophy Day is intended to spark reflection around the world community of philosophers, other scholars and a broad range of interested members of society. It is also an opportunity to ensure that philosophy plays a part in the education of the public by defining human rights, particularly the rights of individuals in the contemporary world. UNESCO’s role in philosophical reflection is closely intertwined with its role as an intellectual forum and laboratory of ideas. By fostering the dissemination of information and facilitating the networking of experts at national and international levels, UNESCO is central in philosophical reflection. It is with this in mind that the World Philosophy Day will continue to serve as an intellectual forum that encourages thinkers of all generations, philosophers, scholars of the other disciplines, the wider policy community, and all concerned individuals in society.

A section of the Participants during the 4th Philosophy day celebration 2005.

Philosophy and
Development-from reality to scientific reality
A paper, presented by Rev. Dr. Kahiga of Moi University brought forth the idea that the human person is a product of culture which in turn is a dynamic reality that expresses man’s inner reality from its primitive to highly developed forms of visible external experiences.

Philosophy and education
The paper argues from a historical point of view that great philosophers are also considered great educators and that the aims of education correlate to the ideals of life. Such aims can be safely categorized into individual and social aims of education. (Paper presented by Prof. Ruth N. Otunga Sage).

Role of Philosophy in contemporary society in reference to the youth
The paper emphasized on the important role of philosophy in helping the youth to identify, evaluate, criticize and communicate correct truth and values for the sake of seeking lasting solutions to the problems facing the people. Philosophy also serves as an eye opener to the youth for it helps one to point out existing problems and suggests possible solutions to the problems. (Paper by Ms. Rahab Mwaniki of UNESCO Youth forum Kenya).

Philosophy, Poverty
and the Globalization
of Culture
The aim of this paper was to show that the numerous problems of Africa are connected with the misapplication of implanted or borrowed systems that have very little to do with the peoples’ historical experiences. (Paper by Dr. Lutz of Catholic University of Eastern Africa).