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Festival della scienza (English version)

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Festival della scienza (English version)

Philosophy and science have always been deeply interconnected each other.  However, the first thinkers in the history of philosophy were involved in “scientific” issues, such as the search for ἀρχή, that is the origin of everything.

The “naturalists” philosophers of Mileto’s school, including Talete, Anassimandro and Anassimene, during their personal research, have gradually identified the origin and cause of life in water, apeiron and air respectively.

From the 7th century a. C. further on, the investigation has been enlarged with the introduction of the atomic concept by Democritus of Abdera and the use of numbers and the search of their meaning with Pythagoras.

It is therefore not a case if even “Sofia” deals with science in its pages talking about the “Festival della scienza” being held in Genoa from October 26, 2017 until November 5th.

The website states that there will be “meetings, workshops, shows and conferences to tell science in an innovative and engaging way, with interactive and transversal events. 11 days when the barriers between mathematical, natural and human sciences will be cut down and the research will be able to touch, see, understand without boundaries (http://www.festivalscienza.it/site/home.html)

While in their differences and peculiarities, mathematical, natural and human sciences are closely linked to each other and the stands, halls, visits and games in which adults and children will be involved will demonstrate this bond.

Among the most interesting workshops there is certainly the one dedicated to the observation of the stars at the Righi Astronomical Observatory. It will also be possible to talk about food at the Palazzo Ducale or about the commercial activities of ancient Mesopotamia.

By clicking on this link, you will find the full program of the Festival: http://www.festivalscienza.it/contents/instance2/static/FdS-Programma2017.pdf

Good philosophy and good science!

Maria Domenica Depalo

Yes or No

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Yes or No: two adverbs easy to write but not to pronounce. It could be a paradox but if we put the attention on the way we relate with the others, we could have a confirm of this contradiction.

Many can’t say “No”, says Paulo Coelho, while pronouncing “yes” seems easier. Often because of love, friendship or fear (but the reasons could be numerous else), when we are in front of questions, choices or existential crossroads, we answer with false enthusiasm and aggrement.

Are we really convinced of the answer? Does it correspond to what we want? Does the choice represent our ideas and thoughts? Are our aspirations and purposes fully embraced by that yes or no?

“Who never says “No” thinks to be generous, compassionate and educated: because “no” corresponds to be damned, selfish and little spiritual. […] There are times when, in saying “yes” to others, it may be that at the same time we are saying “no” to ourselves. ”

But when we say no, we smother our personality and don’t permit to ourselves and our potential to manifest.

Do you think that renouncing to yourself in this way is right?

Maria Domenica Depalo

P. S. The translated sentences are taken from “Manuale del guerriero della luce” of Paulo Coelho, ed. Bompiani

Sì o No

/ fuoritempofuoriluogo / 32 commenti

Sì e No: due avverbi monosillabici e di semplice scrittura ma, spesso e volentieri, di difficile pronuncia. Ricchi di significato, tali parole si propongono come specchio e riflesso di ciò che siamo e di come ci rapportiamo al prossimo.

Molti hanno difficoltà a pronunciare “No”. (cit.), afferma Paulo Coelho (ed ha ragione) mentre pronunciare “Sì” sembra decisamente più semplice.

Spesso infatti per amore, per timore o per quieto vivere, dinanzi a bivi, domande importanti o anche scelte apparentemente banali rispondiamo annuendo con poco entusiasmo.

Ma siamo davvero convinti di quella risposta? È davvero ciò che vogliamo? Rappresenta appieno le nostre convinzioni ed idee? I nostri propositi e le nostre aspirazioni abbracciano quella parola in toto?

L’apertura e il senso di inclusione che il sì ed il no comprendono, vengono sempre espressi con consapevolezza piena?

“Chi non dice mai di “no”, si crede generoso, comprensivo, educato: perché il “no” porta con sé la nomea di maledetto, egoista, poco spirituale. […] Ci sono momenti in cui, nel dire “sì” agli altri, potrebbe darsi che, contemporaneamente, si stia dicendo “no” a se stesso”. (cit.)

Ma dicendo no a noi stessi, soffochiamo la nostra personalità non permettendo al nostro io e alle nostre potenzialità di manifestarsi appieno.

Vale davvero la pena assecondare l’altro rinunciando a se stessi?

Maria Domenica Depalo

P. S. Le citazioni sono tratte da “Manuale del guerriero della luce” di Paulo Coelho, ed. Bompiani