Awarded for their passion in philosophy

©Alain Intraina_www.cooperazione.ch
©Alain Intraina_www.cooperazione.ch

Institutional Communication Service

23 March 2020

Tannaz Najafi and Vanessa Bruseghini are two philosophy students at USI, who were recently awarded the Silvio Leoni Foundation scholarship for their Master's degree in philosophy. They are also featured in the pages of the magazine Cooperazione (article available in attachment), in which the journalist Patrick Mancini tells us about their passion for philosophy and the professional paths they plan to embark on after their studies. We took the opportunity to learn more about them.

Vanessa Bruseghini wants to teach philosophy in high school after graduating. In the interview she tells that she often feels "proudly misunderstood" because of her love for philosophy. "In high school one does not immediately understand how philosophical thought is part of our daily life and is found in many areas. It is, for example, the basis of the debate," says Vanessa. So what can we do to raise attention to philosophy in young people, in a world made of chats, fast thinking and "hyperconnectivity"? "We should use a proactive approach: for example, we could split the class into two groups and give them both a different thesis to support and the appropriate documentation thanks to which they will have to develop solid arguments. Each group will then confront each other in public and defend their opposite thesis" Vanessa continues. This is a way to give students the opportunity not only to form their own opinions on a variety of topics but also to learn how to express them, defending them in the best possible way.

Tannaz Najafi, on the other hand, is also passionate about politics and scientific journalism, and after her studies she would like to work on academic research: "the philosopher - says Tannaz - like the scientist, is a person who steers clear from predetermined and dogmatic standpoints. He/she lets himself/herself be suprised by the world and the universe. And right there lies his/her freedom. The philosopher's vision, however, is slightly different from that of the scientist. While the scientist in fact tries to confirm or refute the theories in an often empirical way, the philosopher instead tries to interpret and discuss its metaphysical implications and methods". As Tannaz observes, in today's world science is perceived as a tool used by a certain culture to predominate. Political disputes, fundamentalist thoughts and extremism daily challenge the role of science. "It is important to make people understand that science, like the free approach to the world, does not aim to invade people and countries, nor does it aim to be the remarkable and exclusive product of a particular culture. Therefore, it has no reason to be feared," reflected Tannaz.