EUROPE/ITALIA - 6th European Symposium for University Professors begins: 400 professors of 26 European countries address the theme of “Widen the horizons of rationality. Perspectives for philosophy.”

Rome (Agenzia Fides) - “Widen the horizons of rationality. Perspectives for philosophy.” This is the theme for the 6th European Symposium for University Professors taking place in Rome June 5 – 8, organized by the Office for Campus Ministry of the Vicariate of Rome, in conjunction with the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences, The Education, University, and Research Department, and the National Research Council, and is under the High Patronage of the President of the Italian Republic. An estimated 400 professors are expected to participate from 26 European nations.
The opening ceremony will take place June 5 at 4:15pm, in the “Sala della Protomoteca,” in Campidoglio. The workshops will begin with a talk from Cardinal Vicar Camillo Ruini and from President emeritus of the Constitutional Court, Cesare Mirabelli. Other talks will be given by professors Jean Luc Marion (Paris Sorbonne University - Paris IV), Peter Koslowski (Free University of Amsterdam) and Hugo Amaldi (Conseil Européen pour el Recherche Nucléaire – Cern). The moderator will be: Francesca Brezzi (Università degli Studi Roma Tre). The day will conclude at 7:30pm with Solemn Vespers celebrated at the Church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli, presided by Bishop Rino Fisichella, Rector of the Lateran Pontifical University.
On June 6, the Symposium will continue at the Lateran Pontifical University until June 8, divided into four areas of research: Philosophy and Science; Philosophy and Religion; Philosophy and Anthropology; Philosophy and Society. On June 7, at noon, the participants will attend an audience with Benedict XVI. On June 8, it will conclude with a Mass presided by Archbishop Gianfranco Ravasi, President of the Pontifical Council for Culture. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 4/6/2008)