The Faculty of Philosophy at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Philosophy UGM) is celebrating its 57th anniversary. This milestone reflects its maturity and significance.
For over half a century, the faculty has contributed to producing scholars, thinkers, and leaders of integrity. Every achievement has resulted from the academic community’s hard work, dedication, and commitment.
Dr. Siti Murtiningsih, Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, stated that commemorating the 57th anniversary is about celebrating past achievements and reflecting on future challenges and opportunities.
“It is not merely ceremonial; the peak of the anniversary is a moment for reflection on the long journey we have undertaken together,” said the dean during the peak of the 57th-anniversary celebration at the Faculty of Philosophy on Monday (Aug. 19).
This year’s anniversary theme, Philosophy and Religion in a Technologized World, is particularly compelling as it combines philosophical and religious dimensions in an increasingly interconnected and technology-influenced world.
According to Dr. Murtiningsih, technology has become integral to human life, altering how people interact, work, and think. Even philosophy and religion, which have long been the foundation for human reflection on the meaning of life, values, and existence, now face new questions arising from technological advancements.
She explained that despite rapid technological progress, various ethical dilemmas arise that require guidance from philosophy and religion. Issues related to artificial intelligence (AI), personal data, and biotechnology raise questions about privacy, freedom, and human rights.
Philosophy and religion offer deep perspectives for evaluating the ethical impacts of technology and guiding responsible and moral technology use.
“This theme invites us to continually update and deepen our understanding of the world and our place in it, ensuring that technological advancement brings maximum benefit to all humanity,” she elaborated.
She highlighted the faculty’s achievements, challenges, and strategic plans. The faculty has three departments: Western, Eastern, and Philosophy of Religion. Its interests include ethics, philosophy of science and technology, philosophy of religion and culture, and social and political philosophy.
All study programs at the faculty, from undergraduate to master’s and doctoral levels, hold A accreditation.
Philosophy UGM, through its Quality Assurance Unit and the University’s Quality Assurance and Reputation Unit, continues to improve teaching standards and educational services to meet the community’s need for quality philosophy education.
“We also continually develop the curriculum to align with contemporary needs. Innovations in teaching methods, information technology use, and the development of relevant materials for current issues are our main focuses to produce graduates who are not only deeply knowledgeable in philosophy but also adaptable to global dynamics,” she said.
UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia attended the celebration and expressed her excitement about the event. She noted that this year’s theme is intriguing and challenging.
The theme addresses a contemporary issue that interests the audience. The challenge is to question how the future of philosophy and religion will unfold amidst rapid technological development.
“As we know, science and technology have achieved extraordinary advancements, especially in developing artificial intelligence,” she remarked.
The rector stated that technology is more than just a tool. It changes work capabilities and alters paradigms and principles of human existence, including how values, beliefs, and other moral frameworks should be reinterpreted. This, she said, presents a serious challenge for religion and philosophy.
“Although technology can solve problems intelligently, it lacks the faculty of reason to contemplate, weigh, and appreciate the values of life,” she added.
Dr. Mustofa Anshori Lidinillah, the head of the anniversary committee, described the theme of Philosophy and Religion in a Technologized World as intriguing, as it presents two crucial entities for human life.
Philosophy and religion have different characteristics but must be integrated within individuals to achieve higher dignity. He noted that these entities may fluctuate in human life, being perceived as crucial and neglected or avoided by others.
“The challenge is how to consistently integrate religion and philosophy into our lives or even enhance their presence,” he said.
Dr. Lidinillah mentioned that various activities have been organized to celebrate the 57th anniversary, including sports competitions, family gatherings, and festivals featuring traditional music, batik, and local snacks.
Plans are underway to host the International Conference of Nusantara Philosophy in November, with the theme Philosophy of Well-Being: Revisiting the Idea of Sustainable Living and Development.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Afif