LIGHT MATTERS
THE FEMALE WISDOM

PHILOSOPHIA ROOM

It is particularly auspicious for the 25th World Congress of Philosophy to take place in Rome.

 The PHILOSOPHIA ROOM is defined by its daily open discussion rounds, which take place every day from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. These sessions cover changing thematic focuses that promote intellectual exchange and critical engagement. See below the themes.

Catrine Val presents a daily rotating exhibition that visually captures the thematic focus and offers interdisciplinary perspectives. This exhibition is open to all visitors daily from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM and invites reflection and discourse.
The combination of in-depth discussions and the visual exhibition provides a comprehensive engagement with the presented themes within the heartbeat of the World Congress of Philosophy (WCP) 2024.

A room full of thinking and acting individuals unleashes a power to reshape the world.

www.wcprome2024.com/gender-room/
Programme Booklet PDF

Decolonial Philosophy and Feminist/Queer Theory
Decolonial philosophy and feminist theory are not just tools for analysing the complex power structures that impact the lives of women worldwide. They are keys to a deeper understanding and a renewal of the socio-cultural landscape from a gender perspective.

This event will be an inspiring space where we embark on an intensive journey of intellectual exchange. We invite those who have a genuine interest and curiosity in the subject and who wish to connect with others to expand and deepen their understanding.

Islamic Feminist PerspectivesThis day will offer an inspiring space for exploring the diversity of Islamic feminist thought and discuss the paths of religious and philosophical renewal. Here we bring together those who have a deep interest and passionate curiosity in these topics. Let’s broaden our horizons together and uncover new feminist perspectives in the Islamic world.

The Legacy of Wisdom: Women Philosophers in History
Today, we honour the courageous voices of women in the historical past of philosophy. We celebrate their pioneering contributions to the philosophical landscape. In the face of growing concerns about a possible return to censorship and the dedication of women to thought and knowledge, this reflection is more important than ever. We honour the diverse richness of philosophical thoughts and ideas shaped by women from various cultures and contexts over centuries. The passion for the written word is not guaranteed – women still struggle for the right to study and raise their voices in philosophical discourse.

African Women Thinkers in Focus
African women thinkers have influenced philosophy in significant ways, offering profound insights into issues like social justice, decolonization, cultural identity and care for the earth. These powerful voices are indispensable and are celebrated right here. This event is the perfect place to share these African perspectives with like-minded individuals as diverse as the continent’s peoples and languages. It’s incredibly enriching to be inspired by the stories and ideas of African women and to collectively illuminate their rich philosophical approaches, including rich oral traditions, under the sun where life began.

 Empowering Voices Against Gender Violence

Let’s be honest, we’ve all experienced it at some point. It is unacceptable that violence is too often unseen, denied or hidden out of shame. It is embedded in a parallel reality that renders the suffering of those affected invisible. This place is a sanctuary where we can undertake a careful and empathetic analysis of the gender dynamics and inequalities in our society. This is more than just a space. Even here, in Italian society, where patriarchal structures are still deeply rooted, we listen attentively and examine the power relations and structural violence that women, transgender individuals, and all those deemed weaker experience daily. This event provides a space for liberation and empowerment. It also serves as a platform and a performative engagement to uncover and collectively overcome the social, cultural, and political dimensions of gender and violence.
We cannot promise a safer world. However, this workshop and this gathering offer us a significant step toward self-empowerment and the possibility of creating a more just and humane existence.

Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant future topic. It has already become part of our daily lives and is influencing how we teach, learn, and interact with each other.
We are at a turning point where machine learning and artificial intelligence are not only changing the way we teach philosophy, but also how we maintain our human values in an increasingly digitalized world. We must face these challenges head-on, seeking solutions that strengthen the human in the face of the artificial.

Neighbours, Mothers, Daughters in the Middle East – All Invited
This day we warmly invite you to join us for an open discussion circle dedicated to dreams, the future, and the rich stories passed down through generations. This circle is for the voices of the Middle East – the neighbours, mothers, daughters, and community members whose experiences have shaped and will continue to shape our collective narrative.
In this circle, we want to create a space where visions, tensions, struggles and stories can be shared and honored. It is a place of listening, where every person has the opportunity to raise their voice and share their experiences. The exchange of stories can generate deeper understanding.
By coming together, we celebrate the strength and resilience of women, forging bonds that light the path to a hopeful future.

A Philosophising Fashion Shoot –
A Day of Style and Self-Expression
Fashion not only reflects the times but also serves as a powerful tool for self-realization and social liberation. Here we will highlight the timeless connection between fashion, female strength and thought. Catrine Val is a specialist in capturing the philosophical look. The captivating setting of Rome, the heart of fashion, is the architectural and historical backdrop of the conference. The resulting imagery of participating philosophers is, created exclusively for personal remembrance. Everyone is welcome to celebrate the uniqueness of philosophers.

Spaghetti MAMAS Nourishing Philosophy

We miss the taste most when we are far from home. It nourishes us, connects us, and gives us a sense of home. In the heart of Italy, where culinary traditions run deep, we celebrate the kitchen as a space for a philosophical symphony. Here, taste, identity, and ethics merge in a kaleidoscope of passion, motherly wisdom, and knowledge. The senses unite with thought, the nourishing with the spiritual.
Philosophy is not just an intellectual act; it is a practice of the body, senses, and taste. We will delve into the ethics of food, the aesthetics of taste, and the political dimension of nourishment. We will also address issues like nutrition, animal welfare, and environmental responsibility, exploring our moral obligations towards nature, the climate, and the animals that provide our food.
In this philosophical kitchen, we feel a sense of community and a spectacular finale with Italian food that will lift our spirits and move not only our minds but also our feet in a lighthearted dance!