PHILOSOPHERS' RETREAT 2024 - NAVIGATING HUMAN CONNECTION AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE AGE OF TECHNOLOGY
The 2024 Philosophers' Retreat, organised by the Centre for Escalation of Peace (CEP) from 6-8 December, focused on "Navigating Human Connection and Development in the Age of Technology." Shivshankar Menon, a distinguished diplomat and former National Security Advisor to India's Prime Minister, led the discussions. The retreat took place in the peaceful and picturesque surroundings of Thimphu and Paro, Bhutan. In addition to formal sessions, participants had ample time for personal reflection or informal conversations to explore the themes. The insights from these discussions aim to influence emerging technologies, challenge existing ideas, and reshape educational approaches, particularly within the Bhutan Baccalaureate (BB) Learning Process.
The retreat focused on exploring the impact of technology, particularly AI, on education and society. Shivshankar Menon led the discussions by emphasising the need to understand how technology influences human perception, relationships, and education, particularly within the Bhutan Baccalaureate framework. Participants engaged in conversations about AI’s ethical implications, including its effects on emotional development, creativity, and maintaining human values in a tech-driven world. The discussion covered various aspects of AI, from its transformative potential to its ethical challenges, such as bias and fairness. There was a strong call for inclusive AI development and a reimagining of education to prioritise critical thinking, emotional well-being, and digital literacy. Participants expressed concerns about the over-reliance on AI, advocating for fostering resilience, compassion, and human connections while integrating technology responsibly into education.
There was a focus on the intersection of technology, education, and human values. Key discussions centred on maintaining human connection and values amidst technological advances, particularly AI, which was seen as both a tool for progress and a source of ethical challenges.
The retreat encouraged deep reflection on what should be prioritised in children’s education. Participants discussed the importance of fostering resilience, critical thinking, empathy, and adaptability in education to prepare individuals for a rapidly changing world. The importance of nurturing curiosity and preparing children for a complex future was emphasised, with a focus on fostering well-rounded individuals who can thrive in both the digital and physical worlds.
The key takeaways from the discussion that could enrich the Bhutan Baccalaureate Learning Process include:
- Encourage Critical Thinking and Self-Awareness
- Balance Technology with Human-Centric Education
- Promote Digital Literacy and Responsible Use of AI
- Cultivate Resilience and Emotional Well-Being
- Incorporate Cross-Pollination and Wholistic Approaches
- Highlight Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity
- Nurture Lifelong Learning and Creativity
- Foster Intrinsic Motivation and Joy of Learning
- Focus on Ethical and Pragmatic Technology Integration
- Foster Global Awareness and Local Relevance
- Equip Students for a Complex Future
The visit to Druk Gyalpo’s Institute (DGI) highlighted the Bhutan Baccalaureate’s focus on wholistic development across five key areas, its integration of timeless values with global practices, and its tangible impact on students’ personal growth through unique learning experiences and opportunities. The visit provided clear insights into how the retreat's deliberations and takeaways could be effectively translated into actionable strategies and implemented at DGI.
To read the detailed report about the programme, please click here.
If you would like more information about the programme, please write to us at contact@cepeace.org