On behalf of the management of the Institute of Philosophy of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, v. v. i., we would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2026!
Next year, we will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Institute of Philosophy of the Slovak Academy of Sciences. Since then, the institute has established itself as the largest institution dedicated to philosophical research in Slovakia. It has gained international attention thanks to the quality of the work of its scientists. Philosophy plays an important role in a modern democratic society. Today, we are bombarded with disinformation, fake news, and various forms of deceptive behavior in the public sphere, which have the ability to manipulate large groups of people, influence government policies, and even change election results.
Philosophy is essentially about critical thinking, which is a key tool in the fight against the spread of disinformation. It teaches people to examine carefully what they hear or read and to verify whether it is true. It leads them not to accept claims about truth without thorough critical examination. At the same time, philosophy develops the ability to calmly read or listen to opinions and concepts with which we disagree, and to examine the different understandings of the world, man and society on which these opinions are based.
The source of many misunderstandings, mistrust and conflicts are often unreflected beliefs and inconsistent images of the world that are accepted as self-evident or unquestionable. Critical thinking and the examination of truth claims are skills that are essential in a democratic society. Therefore, even after 80 years, the Institute of Philosophy of the Slovak Academy of Sciences is still very relevant and plays an important role in society as such.