Philosophical evolution: GCU, CSJ sign accord for research on social issues

Peter Jacob says tolerance need of the hour in Pakistan

LAHORE: The Government College University (GCU) and Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) Lahore on Monday signed an accord for indigenous research on issues of human rights, gender equality, minorities’ protection, civil liberties and democracy.

“We need to stop following Western parameters and paradigms in almost all disciplines including philosophy. The idea of universality of philosophy is no more in vogue,” said philosopher and writer Prof Dr Mirza Athar Baig.

He stressed on indigenous research on social issues at the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony, organised by the GCU Directorate of Academic Planning and External Links, at the university’s Syndicate Committee Room.

GCU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Hassan Amir Shah and CSJ Lahore Executive Director Peter Jacob signed the agreement.

They also agreed upon organising invited lectures, seminars and conferences for raising awareness in the society about issues related to social justice. As per MoU, GCU would also introduce a course titled “foundation on human rights” for its graduation students. GCU Philosophy Department Chairperson Dr Sobia Tahir said, “The subject of philosophy is needed to be promoted among the youth, as the very ideas of rights, justice, representative government and human freedom have emerged from it, and it’s the only discipline which produces visible and pronounced difference in the mindset of students regarding the alternative point of view”.

GCU Dean Faculty of Social Sciences Prof Dr Tahir Kamran highlighted the increasing religious and sectarian influence in Pakistani society.

Peter Jacob said that tolerance was the need of hour but it was virtually impossible without justice and strong democratic institutions.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 24^th, 2017.