Gen-Y Philosophy

New Acropolis India is celebrating World Philosophy Day on November 21 at Bluefrog,with a talk by Barzilay which will take contemporary issues — political participation,our perception of freedom — and look at them through the lens of Plato’s philosophy. The day marks the 2400th anniversary of Plato’s Academy in Athens,which was founded in 387 BC. “Every year,the third Thursday of November is celebrated as World Philosophy Day. Philosophy is not something that is just studied in a class,it is a way of life. Though democracy was founded in ancient Athens,we still find the concept relevant and follow it. Similarly,many other ideas by Plato are significant in modern times,” says Barzilay.

The talk — in collaboration with The Indian Express,Mahindra and Bluefrog — aims to get philosophy out of the realm of academia,and use it as a day-to-day principle on the basis of which life can be lived. The event will also draw parallels between the Hollywood blockbuster,The Matrix and Plato’s theories. “We are trying to talk the language of the youngsters. The film screening will help participants connect the dots and help them understand the theory easily,” adds Barzilay.

meenakshi.iyer@expressindia.com