Definition of Philosophy

Progressive Utilisation Theory (PROUT) Meet in Mysore India

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prout_logoA Progressive Utilisation Theory (PROUT) meet was held in Mysore, India just in time to commemorate the golden jubilee of the PROUT which was first published in 1959. The PROUT assembly was hosted by Ananda Marga Pracharak Sangha. Participants came from the city as well as Karnataka and Goa.

PROUT is a socio-economic philosophy that synthesizes the physical, mental and spiritual dimensions of human nature. The goal of PROUT is to provide guidance for the evolution of a truly progressive human society. According to the Proutist Universal website some of their basic tenets of PROUT are:

Spirituality and Progress – Human beings are on an evolutionary path toward realizing their higher consciousness. True progress is movement that leads to self-realization and spiritual qualities such as compassion and love for all beings. Material or intellectual gains do not necessarily constitute progress unless they contribute to deeper, spiritual well-being.

Economic Democracy – PROUT advocates economic democracy based on local economic planning, cooperatively managed businesses, local governmental control of natural resources and key industries, and socially agreed upon limits on the individual accumulation of wealth. By decentralizing the economy and making sure decision-making is in the hands of local people, we can ensure the adequate availability of food, shelter, clothing, health care and education for all.

Basic Necessities Guaranteed to All – The basic necessities of life must be a constitutional birth right of all members of society. People cannot attain their highest human potential if they lack food, shelter, clothing, health care and education.

Leadership – For a benevolent society, it is essential that leaders are morally principled and dedicated to serving society as part of their personal progress. Authority should not be centered in the hands of individuals, but should be expressed through collective leadership.

Other basic tenets discussed in the site include freedom, cultural diversity, women’s rights, science and technology, and world government.

Philosophy, Science and Theology Festival in Grafton, Australia

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philosophy_science_theology_festival_logoThe 6th International Philosophy, Science and Theology Festival is going to be held this weekend from the 27th of June (Saturday) to the 1st of July (Wednesday) in Grafton, North Rivers, Australia. The festival’s theme is “Our Now, Our Tomorrow”. According to the festival site “the festival is a forum where questions that concern us can be asked, discussed and debated in a friendly, non-threatening environment. Speakers from all over the world come to the festival to share their knowledge with people from all walks of life. It is a safe space in which you can listen, take part and enjoy. It is a place where barriers are broken, friendships are forged and excitement grows.” People interested in participating have the option of visiting for just one day or registering for the whole festival experience.

Here’s a short list of speakers and their chosen topics:

  • Matthew Colless – What Science Can Say About Creation?
  • Dr Jan Visser – Not by Philosophy, Science and Theology Alone
  • Pam Wells – Personal Philosophy- a Practical Responsibility
  • Dr Ian Gawler – Cancer as a path to Enlightenment
  • Dr Michael Northcott- Climate Change, Industrial Capitalism and the Nature of Life on Earth
  • Howie Firth- SEASHELLS, SUNFLOWERS AND GREEN SHOOTS OF SPRING
  • Norman Habel – An Inconvenient Text
  • Stephen Strong, Author: Constructing a New World Map; Mary Magdalene’s Dreaming