In commemoration of World Philosophy Day 2024, the Faculty of Philosophy at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) hosted the Philoday Debate 2024. The competition embraced the overarching theme “Why Philosophy Matters?” with the subtheme “The Matters of Philosophical Issue in Science and Humanities Studies.” This event invited participants to reflect on the critical role of philosophy in scientific and humanities discourse.
The event attracted university students from various institutions across Indonesia, who competed in a debate testing their depth of understanding, argumentative skills, and critical thinking. Teams faced off in debates on predetermined motions, with each team assigned roles as either the proposition (pro) or the opposition (con), presenting arguments for or against the motion.
The Philoday Debate 2024 began with preliminary rounds held virtually via Zoom from November 11 to 14, 2024. Despite the online format, the competitive atmosphere remained palpable. Teams were given 15 minutes to prepare their arguments before engaging in three main sessions: Opening Statement, Rebuttal, and Closing Statement. Motions explored included topics such as inclusivity in corporate recruitment for persons with disabilities, the use of robots in factories, and political and environmental issues that resonate with current global challenges.
The grand finale, held on November 26, 2024, at the Faculty of Philosophy UGM’s conference hall, showcased the most talented teams. This climactic round featured heated debates over several thought-provoking motions.
The team from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIPOL) UGM, comprising Ana Kaporina Saharani Andeska, Razif Raihan Rasyid, and Safiera Anindya Syaafiyana, emerged victorious after intense deliberations. The runner-up title went to the team from UGM’s Faculty of Philosophy, represented by Medaneo Wahyu Putra Wibowo, Muhammad Oriza Antasena, and Muhammad Zaidan Zifana, who showcased remarkable debating skills but ultimately conceded to the champions. Meanwhile, the third-place honor was secured by the team from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), consisting of Nurlisa Putri Azizah, Muhammad Rafi Zidan Permana, and Muhammad Fakhriza Syailendra.
The Best Speaker Award was presented to Medaneo Wahyu Putra Wibowo from UGM’s Faculty of Philosophy. His outstanding ability to articulate ideas and construct compelling arguments earned praise from the judges and captivated the audience with his sharp thinking and well-structured reasoning.
Philoday Debate 2024 was more than just a competition; it served as a platform for students to hone their critical thinking skills and deepen their understanding of philosophy and its application in real-life scenarios. Participants developed logical and objective thinking while learning to present arguments effectively and persuasively. The event also promoted philosophy as a discipline relevant to addressing global challenges in science, technology, politics, and ethics.
The successful organization of Philoday Debate 2024 reflects the Faculty of Philosophy UGM’s commitment to being a leading center for philosophical development in Indonesia. This event is expected to continue evolving, providing a platform to nurture critical thinking among Indonesian students and commemorating World Philosophy Day in a meaningful way. By doing so, it contributes to the advancement of knowledge and culture in a rapidly changing world.