European Centre for Philosophy of Culture at the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Warsaw was established in 2024 as a result of an ongoing cooperation between philosophers from Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, Belarusian emigratory circles, and Latvia. It gathers thinkers conducting philosophical research on Europe as a cultural and normative project. The founding motivation of the Centre is our deep conviction that the current geopolitical and geocultural situation demands a thorough rethinking of our cultural identities and their existential, symbolic, axiological, sociopolitical, and historical fundaments. The special attention is devoted to Eastern Europe, understood not so much as a geographical region, but rather in topographical and ethical terms. That is, as a certain topos and a specific, historically formed, ethos. It is seen as a cultural space where Europe has been, for centuries, exposed to and confronted with its dangerous Other – imperialist Russia.
Aims of the Centre
Conducting philosophical research devoted to the idea of Europe. The special emphasis is put on Eastern Europe – its role and place within the European cultural project; in this regard the work of the Centre aims at positive resemantization of the category of Eastern Europe.
Articulating cultural identities – by analyzing and confronting different (often competing) narratives, myths, self-interpretations, axiological frameworks, which are constitutive, in all their plurality, for the region and its people.
Creating philosophical tools to counteract phenomena that pose a threat to the European system of values, particularly the propaganda activities of imperialist Russia.
Fostering intercultural dialogue by providing philosophical means of articulation of collective memories and traumas and finding ways for a reconciliation of historical conflicts.
Conducting joint educational, and popularizing activities in the field of philosophy.
Shaping philosophical and cultural frameworks for a community of the peoples from the region.
Fostering the processes of further development of civil society in the region – by engaging into educational activities as well as popularization of philosophy as the art of critical thinking.
Promoting research results in the region and worldwide (conferences, symposia, public lectures, joint publications, podcasts).