On November 16, 2012, the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik celebrated the World Philosophy Day and commemorated the hundredth birthday of Paul Ricœur in a conference entitled: “What is the purpose of Philosophy?” organized by the Faculty of Philosophy and Humanities.
The former Minister of Justice, H.E. Ibrahim Najjar, Mgr. Said Said, the First Vice-President of the University, Rev. Fr. Karam Rizk, the Vice-President for International Relations, Rev. Fr. Georges Hobeika, the Vice-President for Research, Rev. Fr. Jean Akiki, the Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy and Humanities, Prof. Hoda Nehme, as well as the members of the University Council, researchers, academics and students, all attended the opening ceremony.
The Head of the Philosophy Department, Prof. Marie Fayad, inaugurated the conference stating that philosophy is always gaining importance in the world among scientists and judges who refer to it in order to find answers to questions relating to literature, ethics and politics. She added that philosophy has become an integral part of educational and research institutions and goes hand in hand with advancing the knowledge of cognitive development and altering the perception of stereotypes.
Next, H.E. Najjar took the floor and stated that it is difficult for a jurist to talk about philosophy and Paul Ricœur was one of the few philosophers of law in the world who worked on the principle of just law. Minister Najjar added that the Ministry of Justice in Lebanon has not yet become the Ministry of freedom and human rights, thus it needs reform; and he spoke about his concerns related to the “humanization of the judiciary in Lebanon” in terms of abolishing the death penalty, women’s rights, child’s rights, fighting human trafficking and torture. He concluded by quoting the preacher, political activist and journalist, Lacordaire saying: “Between the strong and the weak, it is freedom which oppresses and the law which sets free.”
Rev. Fr. Georges Hobeika, Vice-President for International Affairs, stated that the Holy Spirit University plays a vital role in preserving and developing philosophical thought in the Middle East. In this context, he mentioned the former President of the University, the late Rev. Fr. Etienne Sacre who was a great philosopher. He expressed his admiration for him, which he shares with many other philosophers, such as Hans Georg Gadamer and Paul Ricœur. The latter praised Fr. Sacre, who, despite the difficulties that Lebanon has faced, managed to overcome every obstacle and, through his translation of many philosophical works, he proved that translation is a process allowing the enrichment of languages and spirituality.
Three sessions followed the opening ceremony tackling the subjects: the current practices in teaching philosophy, the contribution of philosophical ideas in the educational concepts and the relationship between philosophy, on the one hand, and religion, ethics, religious fanaticism and freedom, on the other.