The UGM Faculty of Philosophy (Philosophy UGM) will celebrate its 57th anniversary this year. This year’s commemoration theme is “Philosophy and Religion in a Technologized World,” reflecting the faculty’s commitment to providing critical and reflective thought to unravel the complexities of the modern world.
“We live in a world filled with technology, and we are surrounded by various forms of it every day. This theme invites us to ponder what philosophy and religion can do for an increasingly technologized world,” said the Dean of Philosophy UGM, Dr. Rr. Siti Murtiningsih, during the opening ceremony of the 57th-anniversary celebration series on Friday (May 17).
Dr. Murtiningsih explained that a “technologized world” is a new term popular among philosophy academics to describe the current phenomenon. Life has become so dependent on technology that an issue with even a tiny device can significantly affect human activity. This scenario becomes more complex when discussing advanced technology.
“As future technology becomes a reality, our lives will never be the same. At this point, we ask, what role do philosophy and religion play?” the dean remarked.
This dependence raises concerns about humanity’s future well-being. While technology makes human activities easier, it also has various negative impacts, from decreasing critical thinking skills to reducing mental resilience.
“We need philosophy and religion as brakes on worldly ambitions to develop technology, helping us navigate a life filled with technology,” she explained.
The opening event included joint sports activities, a historical walk led by Dr. Heri Santoso, and a communal gathering. The release of a pair of doves symbolically marked the celebration opening.
In addition to faculty members, non-teaching staff, and students from the faculty, the event also involved staff from the social sciences and humanities cluster, including the Faculties of Psychology, Cultural Sciences, Economics and Business, Social and Political Sciences, and Law.
“Starting this morning, several activities will be held to commemorate the anniversary. There will be academic and non-academic activities involving the Philosophy UGM community, alumni, and the general public,” explained the Chair of the 57th Celebration Committee, Mustofa Anshori Lidinillah.
The series of activities for the 57th anniversary include a Philosophy Essay Competition (PEC) and sports competitions beginning in May, a Karawitan Festival and Nusantara Crafts Bazaar in July, the Peak Celebration and Wayang Performance in August, and culminating with the 12th International Conference on Nusantara Philosophy (ICNP) and the 3rd National Symposium on Nusantara Philosophy (SNFN) scheduled for October.
Author: Gloria