The Azerbaijan State News Agency

Statement of the Azeri scientist at the international conference arouses great interest

Paris, November 20 (AZERTAC). At the initiative of UNESCO since 2002 the third Thursday of November every year is celebrated as the World Day of Philosophy.

The international scientific conference devoted to this day took place on November 18 in the Headquarters of UNESCO.

After plenary session the conference continued in sections. The section "Al-Farabi and the European Renaissance" was devoted to creativity of outstanding philosopher of the East Abu Nasr al-Farabi. Opening the meeting the UNESCO assistant secretary general on culture Francesсo Bandarin and the head of permanent mission of Kazakhstan at UNESCO Ambassador Oljas Suleymenov spoke of the role of the founder of Islamic philosophy al-Farabi in development of world philosophy, his activity in the area of mathematics, astronomy, chemistry, music. Known philosophers and scientists from the various countries of Asia and Europe delivered lectures on creativity al-Farabi.

Professor of the Baku branch of the Moscow State University after M.V. Lomonosov Nargiz Pashayeva`s lecture was devoted to “Al-Farabi and dualism of being”. Professor N. Pashaeva, in particular, said:

“The World Day of Philosophy is an important day. This Day is devoted to the essence of the phenomenon, that is the Universe, and this day our meeting is devoted to a certain theme - al-Farabi. This theme is important on many aspects, the first is the most widespread and familiar to all of us: al-Farabi has translated Aristotle and Plato on the Arabian language and thus he has given new life to these works, and also entered new concept of the Universe, the European thinking through his translations, interpretation. He was named the second thinker. If he wasn`t the second teacher, he never would understand the first: to interpret Aristotle needs to be almost Aristotle. With his philosophical treatises he has brought huge contribution to history of philosophy, mankind. The third - he has united and even this day unites the disputable question of two worlds, two sights, two morals, mentalities - of the East and the West. He still then has united these two concepts of a single whole. But there is also a fourth aspect, in my opinion - very important. Maybe it is not so extended in many modern interpretations. It is that al-Farabi recognized for the first time value of the doctrine, thoughts, reason - and not simply for science, but for all mankind, for development of all mankind. It was just he who considered that the moral component of the person, any society and high cultural wealth can change much. To change what is not under control of politicians, warriors. It is possible to tell that it is just the high spirit, high reason, and recognition of world harmony. For this world harmony and high reason were also calling the ideas of all great philosophers of the world, including al-Farabi.

I would like to underline once again that mankind today, as well as thousand years ago, haven`t perceived the world up to the end surrounding him. The mankind still has to answer the questions, those classical questions of philosophy which have arisen for a long time: whence we are, what for we are, what we do and for the sake of what. To this day, it excites many: both scholars, and simple people. May be it was just then when there were these doctrines when there were special classes - and these special classes arose when Plato set up his academy in Athens when he gathered round himself the pupils-followers - those were special people, of high spirit, high thought. Esteemed and honored, they had difficult life anmd ambiguous destiny. But they knew that they possess what the others had not. May be, today`s irrational science slightly lags behind from rational, and, probably, today the spirit of the East and reason of the West have a little bit kept away from each other. To understand the world, the reason of the East is necessary but to understand the world, the spirit of the East also is necessary. To understand the world, the reason of the West is necessary, but also the spirit of the West is necessary also. Thus, all develops in a common beginning, in common essence. Al-Farabi in "The Pearl of Knowledge" asserted that God is the same essence, as well as the world, but embodying unity and the world too is essence, as well as God, but is expressed in set.

And finally, I want to remind the philosophical saying that the future is always closed, the past is lived, and the present is granted. This present depends and on us - scientists, this present depends and on that generation to come. It depends also on what respect and esteem we pay to that heritage which was left to us by great people, people of great ideas, great values."

The statement of the Azerbaijani scientist aroused great interest and was cheered.

The Conference was also attended by Ambassador Eleonora Huseynova, the head of permanent mission of Azerbaijan at UNESCO and the ambassador of Azerbaijan to France Elchin Amirbeyov.

Share news on social media

Follow us on social network

Army chief warns Britons will have to make ‘sacrifices’ to prepare for war

Garabagh carpet unveiled in Peru, showcasing Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage

ICESCO Baku Regional Office to participate in 12th International Book Fair with special pavilion

Moscow discussions focus on South Caucasus energy projects under “3+3” framework

Central Bank Governor discusses Azerbaijan’s financial reforms in Global Finance interview

Azerbaijan boxers aim for ‘medal rush’ at European U15 Boxing Championships in Trabzon

Azerbaijani ambassador presents credentials to King of Sweden

Memorandums signed in Khankendi between Baku Engineering University and Uzbekistan’s two higher education institutions

“Environmental Protection First” Coalition addresses international community over COP17

Azerbaijani, Uzbekistan`s deposit institutions sign memorandum on bilateral cooperation

Video on Patriotic War shared on President Ilham Aliyev's social media accounts VIDEO

Ethiopia's Abiy names new Tigray government, wants polls in six months

International Paralympic delegates visit Alley of Honors and Alley of Martyrs in Baku

Baku State University to establish cooperation with nine Uzbek universities

UAE delegation visits Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, Bangladesh discuss prospects for bilateral relations

Top stories update

President Ilham Aliyev congratulates participants of Paralympic movement on anniversary

To the National Paralympic Committee and paralympians on the 30th anniversary of the Committee’s establishment

Incredible ‘seal’s eye view’ image wins this year’s OurNature Environmental Photo & Video Award

Parviz Shahbazov: More than 1.1 million tonnes of oil supplied to Vietnam since 2023

Tasks successfully completed during “Falcons Meet – 2026” exercise

Japan police to study GPS monitoring of stalkers

Italy and Spain move to end border dispute after Meloni-Sánchez talks

Members of Romanian Senate informed about Azerbaijan’s appraisal sector

Azerbaijan, Switzerland discuss financial sector trends

AMADA Executive Director highlights AI applications in anti-doping at summit in Greece

Improving social support mechanisms for older persons is a priority, says Deputy Minister

Main Clinical Hospital hosts awareness-raising event

Azerbaijan, Sri Lanka strengthen political dialogue

Azerbaijani scientists meet with Chinese students in Beijing

Azerbaijan’s Prime Minister meets with heads of international and foreign national Paralympic committees

Azerbaijan Army’s Chief of General Staff meets with NATO delegation

China completes world's third robotic arm-assisted heart transplant

Azerbaijani FM, CICA Secretary General discuss outcomes of 7th CICA Summit

Two more canals in Uzbekistan added to the World Heritage Irrigation Structures list

Azerbaijan Appraisers Society, National Association of Authorised Romanian Valuers ink memorandum of cooperation

Azerbaijan’s Central Bank, BlackRock discuss cooperation

Azerbaijan’s winter tourism potential presented to Chinese travel agencies

Pakistan, US discuss economic reforms, external financing

Prosecutor General’s Office issues international wanted notice for Turkish citizen Celal Çiftçi

Tourism Minister: Bulgarian food, wine key to tourism growth

Azerbaijan Tourism Board supports filming of Japan’s hit series VIVANT across the country

At least 12 dead after migrant boat incident off Gambia

® Agro Dairy, part of PASHA Holding, supports the active social participation of children with autism

Azerbaijan’s population reaches 10,279,796

Stockholm hosts meeting with Azerbaijani writer Eluja Atali

Numan Kurtulmus: Türkiye-Azerbaijan unity was forged by historical processes

Group of individuals awarded for contributions to Azerbaijan’s Paralympic movement - ORDER

New chairman and Board members elected to Azerbaijan Press Council

President Ilham Aliyev received newly appointed Georgian ambassador to Azerbaijan VIDEO

Azerbaijan's petroleum product output exceeds 4.6 billion manats in January-September 2026

BTC pipeline transports over 18.8 million tons of oil in January–September 2026

President Ilham Aliyev received newly appointed Indian ambassador to Azerbaijan VIDEO

World Bank Group mobilizes $100 million in private capital in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijani wrestler bags silver at U23 World Championships

UN: The world is waging a ‘war on nature’ as progress on biodiversity targets lags

Azerbaijan’s Central Bank discuss financial sector trends with Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and UBS Asset Management

Azerbaijan and Albania explore new opportunities to strengthen tourism ties

Top stories update

Second Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Rectors’ Forum kicks off in Khankendi

Washington hosts exhibition-concert marking anniversary of restoration of Azerbaijan’s independence

Azerbaijani official attends 8th OTS meeting on media and information

Arctic sea ice hits another troubling low in 2026

Azeri Light sells for $119

UN report urges social inclusion amid rapid global transformation

Gold and silver prices rise on global markets

® Confirm money transfers in Birbank with SİMA İmza

Sultan Hajiyev appointed CICA Secretary-General

Milli Majlis commission issues statement on hybrid attacks against Azerbaijan

Strong earthquake warning covering wide area of Japan canceled

Ferrari junior Rafael Camara promoted to F1 with Haas for 2027

Oil prices fall on global markets

Number of foreign residents in Japan hits new high at 3.4% of population

Azerbaijan highlights importance of combating torture and eliminating impunity at UN

Azerbaijan and Türkiye discuss bilateral relations

Besiktas beat Hoffenheim 3-2 away in Europa League

Severe drought declared in parts of southern England

IEA members to accelerate release of 100M barrels as oil markets remain tight

Caspian Construction Week highlights youth involvement in Garabagh’s revival

CIS delegation visits DOST Center for Inclusive Development and Creativity

Baku hosts international conference on inclusive employment

President Ilham Aliyev’s social media accounts shared video on inauguration of Trans-Caspian Fiber-Optic Cable Line VIDEO

Türkiye prepares local climate action projects for COP31 Climate Change Conference

Chinese companies explore investment opportunities in Azerbaijan’s agricultural sector

Iranian deputy FM hails Azerbaijan’s efforts to advance regional cooperation

Baku hosted 7th CICA Summit
President Ilham Aliyev addressed the event VIDEO

Azerbaijan ranks second as Türkiye’s top gas supplier for August

Baku hosts “Garabagh Realities: The Opportunities of Digital Media and Its Social Impact” panel discussion

Top stories update

Azerbaijan, Paralympic committees discuss launching joint initiatives

Central Bank of Azerbaijan Governor attends World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings

Osaka grapples with severely aging water and sewage systems

Lautaro Martinez suffers hamstring injury and will miss the Milan Derby

Azerbaijan’s CICA chairmanship serves to strengthen regional ties, minister says

President Ilham Aliyev’s social media accounts shared video on 7th CICA Summit VIDEO

Azerbaijan assumes chairmanship of CIS Advisory Council on Labor and Social Protection

Israel records 35 beach drowning deaths in 2026

President Ilham Aliyev met with Amir of Qatar VIDEO

Sri Lankan minister: CICA will continue to grow and strengthen during Azerbaijan’s chairmanship