By Matters India Reporter
Old Goa, October 22, 2019: Jesuit Father Keith D’Souza is the president of the Association of Christian Philosophers of India (ACPI). Under his leadership, ACPI will hold the 44th annual research seminar on “Philosophizing Science: Promises, Perils, and Possibilities.”
The October 23 to 25 seminar will be co-hosted by the Indian Institute of Science and Religion (IISR), Delhi, at the St. Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre, Old Goa.
Matters India, talked to Father D’Souza, who is also Rector, St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, on the eve of the conference.
Matters India: What is the importance and relevance of the topic chosen for this year?
Jesuit Father Keith D’Souza: The Association of Christian Philosophers of India (ACPI) will be having its 44th Annual Research Seminar, from Wednesday, 23 Oct (9.00 a.m.) to Friday, 25th Oct (4.00 p.m.), 2019, at the St. Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre, Old Goa.
The theme of the Seminar is: “Philosophizing Science: Promises, Perils and Possibilities.” The Seminar will be co-hosted by the Indian Institute of Science and Religion (IISR), Delhi.
Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao of Goa will be the chief guest and will inaugurate the seminar. The keynote address will be delivered by Jesuit Father Job Kozhamthadam, director of the Indian Institute of Science and Religion (IISR), Delhi.
The theme “Philosophizing Science” has to do with the philosophical critique of science from diverse yet wholesome Indian and Christian perspectives. The subtheme “Promises, Perils and Possibilities” lends itself to discussions about positive, dysfunctional and futuristic aspects of various features and disciplines of the scientific enterprise.
What would be the outcome of the conference?
We hope to be able to raise substantive and critical issues regarding the nature, scope and offerings of science and technology. We need to create a critical consciousness which will counter not only superstition and archaic beliefs connected with traditional thinking, but also, challenge developments of science and especially technology to take into account issues of developmental inequality, environmental degradation, and unemployment brought about by mechanization, and several other social problems.
Who are the main speakers?
We have more than 25 paper presenters from all over the country, most of them having Ph.D.’s in several philosophical and scientific areas of specialization.
How many are expected to attend the conference?
About a hundred participants, including about 70 teachers and research scholars, and around 30 Masters and Doctoral students will be attending the research seminar.
How many members do ACPI have at the present?
We have more than 150 life members, over 44 years of the functioning of the ACPI.
What has been the contribution of ACPI to Indian society so far?
We have helped to provide texts on several key philosophical issues from an Indian and Christian perspective. Besides bringing out 24 books on diverse themes, with contributions from experts who have studied in various parts of the world and the nation, we have also come out with a two-volume encyclopedia in 2010.
We have provided a forum for those teaching and studying in various ecclesiastical institutions all over the country to interact with each other for more than 40 years.
The firm philosophical foundation that we are helping to form is necessary for a sound and wholesome theological formation and in turn a productive pastoral and social praxis. It is the field of philosophy in particular which enables cultural and religious leaders to adopt a balanced and comprehensive perspective in their leadership positions. We have done our little bit in helping towards the formation of such leaders.