File Type
Media Release
Publication Date
8-12-2026
Description
Background
This keynote address was delivered by Br. Armin A. Luistro, FSC, during the Phase 1 Workshop of Ethics, Society, and Education: Empowering Early Career Philosophers in the Philippines on 12 August 2026 at De La Salle University.
The project aims to strengthen the research, writing, and professional capacities of early career philosophers in the Philippines. It is supported by the British Academy International Writing Workshops 2025 Programme under the United Kingdom Government’s International Science Partnerships Fund. The initiative is led by Dr. Hazel T. Biana of the De La Salle University Department of Philosophy, in partnership with Durham University and with co-proponents Dr. Jeremiah Joven Joaquin and Prof. Dr. Sara L. Uckelman.
The keynote explores the role of philosophical education in cultivating critical thought, ethical discernment, intellectual autonomy, empathy, and peaceful dialogue. It situates philosophy within contemporary challenges facing Philippine education and society, including disinformation, artificial intelligence, political polarization, historical revisionism, and the increasing influence of market-driven educational reforms.
Summary/Abstract
Br. Armin A. Luistro, FSC, presents philosophical education as an essential foundation for human dignity, democratic participation, and lasting peace. Drawing from Philippine history, Lasallian education, contemporary politics, and Homer’s Odyssey, he describes the threats confronting philosophy and the humanities. These include utilitarian educational reforms, disinformation, algorithmic manipulation, political polarization, and the uncritical use of artificial intelligence.
The address emphasizes that critical thinking should not remain confined to universities or academic elites. Philosophical inquiry must enter classrooms, homes, communities, public spaces, and everyday conversations. Br. Luistro calls for a localized philosophical tradition that recognizes Filipino concepts such as loob, kapwa, and bayanihan as rigorous resources for understanding human experience and addressing social problems.
He also challenges philosophers and educators to replace intellectual competition with communal discernment and dialogue. He urges early career philosophers to ask difficult questions, engage marginalized voices, protect intellectual autonomy, and help young people evaluate evidence beyond political and algorithmic influence. The address concludes that societies begin building lasting peace when they teach succeeding generations to reason together, understand one another’s experiences, and navigate disagreement without resorting to violence.
Recommended Citation
Luistro, A. A. (2026). Philosophical Education as a Vision for Lasting Peace: Keynote Address at the Phase 1 Workshop of “Ethics, Society, and Education: Empowering Early Career Philosophers in the Philippines”. Retrieved from https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/sdrc_res_events/1
