LETTERS: The Malaysian Philosophy Society aspires to improve philosophical literacy by promoting critical discourse and by making philosophy practical and accessible to all.
The growing desire for the institutionalisation of philosophy calls for government support.
This could be achieved through the establishment of a National Philosophy Institute, which can accelerate the development of philosophy in Malaysia.
The establishment of such an institute, which would stand as a demonstration of the country's commitment to philosophy, could benefit Malaysia and the world.
The institute could facilitate the process of philsophisation more efficiently. It could study the introduction of philosophy in Malaysian universities and schools and how it could be expedited.
Philosophy would enrich the quality of education as it would necessitate improved methods of teaching to be conducted by educators — one that incorporates critical engagement, philosophical deconstruction and active curiosity — thereby elevating the schooling and tertiary experience.
The philosophical traditions in the Eastern and Western worlds could act to instil the values of openness and literacy in Malaysian students, birthing a generation of public intellectuals who serve the nation.
Transforming Malaysia's education landscape in this manner has the power not only to create unique Malaysian talent but also attract foreign scholars to conduct research, allowing the country to be a hub of higher learning.
The institute could also act as a bridge between philosophical organisations.
This streamlining would facilitate cooperation across the board. The support from such non-governmental organisations and organisations allows for improved outreach to the public.
This would help bring about greater accessibility to philosophical events, such as dialogues and sharing sessions, to spread across the nation, further planting interest in philosophy.
The institute would be a great community-building centre, designed to unite interested Malaysians around a shared love for philosophy.
The institute could be leveraged to be a global centre for cultural exchange, discourse and scholarship.
Ancient institutions — such as the House of Wisdom in Iraq, the Library of Alexandria in Egypt, Nalanda University in India and the Lyceum in Greece — served as intellectual hubs of tourism and education, which attracted scholars and persons of interest belonging to different faiths, beliefs and practices worldwide.
A modern-day equivalent in Malaysia would improve the country's visibility, establishing itself at the frontier of philosophical education and would posit itself as a forward-thinking thought leader nation.
It is my hope that the government consider the establishment of such an institute.
Through this, Malaysia could create an institution that would transform society and create a legacy.
PRAVIN PERIASAMY
Malaysia Philosophy Society,
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times