Philosophical life in Parma is very active, also thanks to the commitment of students and former students, graduating and doctoral students. This allows for continuous interaction between students of different years and study paths, an element of great importance in promoting motivation and regularity of studies. Among the various initiatives that take place in Parma, we would like to highlight in particular the following three, which are repeated regularly each year.
SOCIETÀ FILOSOFICA ITALIANA (SEZIONE DI PARMA) - ITALIAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY (PARMA SECTION)
The Italian Philosophical Society brings together, at both national and local levels, professionals involved in the research, teaching, and practice of philosophy in various capacities. This includes academics, secondary school teachers, researchers, and enthusiasts of the subject. The association's activities range from organizing conferences and seminars to conducting training courses for teachers (recognized by the Ministry of Public Education) and collectively developing new models and teaching approaches.
Since 2009, a Local Section has been established in Parma, presided over by Professor Beatrice Centi. This section has been working for many years to encourage and enhance the relationships between the university and secondary school worlds. It promotes and sponsors public meetings, conferences, seminars, lectures, and other initiatives open to the public, aimed at the training and professional development of teachers, reflecting on teaching in both school and university settings, and advocating for the promotion of philosophy. For further information, you can visit the Society's website at the following link: https://www.sfi.it/
“IDEE IN BOZZA” (DRAFT IDEAS)
"IDEE IN BOZZA" is a cross-sectional cycle of philosophy seminars organised by the philosophical association Vita Activa (which also runs the "Emilia filosofica" blog, an information portal on all the initiatives carried out in the three hubs of the inter-university degree course: Modena-Reggio Emilia, Ferrara and Parma: https://emiliafilosofica.wordpress.com/). The speakers of the seminars are all students*, former students* or young researchers interested in presenting their work in progress in a convivial manner to an audience of peers in order to compare, discuss and receive suggestions on various philosophical topics. In now 5 years of intense philosophical activity, the cycle of philosophical seminars has been attended by over 60 researchers from all over the world, making Idee in bozza one of the most successful student initiatives. The Vita Activa staff is already planning the next edition of Idee in Bozza. Those interested in current or past activities can consult the website or follow the facebook page. For any contact or information, please write to: daniele.molinari@unipr.it
MAP "MINORITIES AND PHILOSOPHY" PROJECT
In May 2020, the "MAP (Minorities and Philosophy) Parma" work group was set up by students and young researchers from the Philosophy Unit of the DUSIC Department. The group is part of the worldwide MAP International network (http://www.mapforthegap.com) of which more than 180 universities and philosophy departments worldwide are members. The MAP Parma group is the first representative in Italy of this international network.
MAP stems from the desire to educate and raise awareness of issues of inclusivity and problems of under-representation in the academic field and in particular in humanistic and philosophical studies. Within the MAP project, such issues of under-representation and marginalisation are understood in a wide-ranging way, starting from the intersection of gender issues with cultural, ethnic, socio-economic, religious or physical and psychological disability aspects. In the years 2020-2022, the MAP group organised various research and dissemination activities, organising workshops, reading groups, and several online seminars in the form of Flash Talks! and Flash Panels!, mainly related to gender issues, with reference to both contemporary philosophical research and the history of philosophy and the philosophical canon. We have also been involved in organising seminars and activities for high schools on issues of gender inequality and violence in the academic context. We have collaborated with many institutions and associations, including the Comitato Unico di Garanzia UNIPR, which has funded some of our projects, and the SWIP Italia association. Created within the Vita Activa philosophical association, the MAP Parma group embraces the values of MAP international and aims to raise awareness and discussion in the city regarding minority issues that are most present in the area, such as women's experiences, the issue of disability and the LGBTQ+ community. Those interested in the activities can follow the group's facebook and Instagram (@mapparma) pages. To contact the group and receive information, please write to: irene.binini@unipr.it.
“PENSARE LA VITA” (THINKING ABOUT LIFE)
In collaboration with the cultural association "La Ginestra," the Philosophy Unit has endorsed and is actively involved in the philosophical training course titled "Pensare la vita" (Thinking Life), which is open to the public. The course takes place in person at the Palazzo del Governatore from October to December. For further details and the program of various editions, you can refer to the course's website at the following link: http://www.la-ginestra.com/pensare-la-vita/
