Identity and Values, Discussion Series
The program is about worldview issues. The main topics include personal and collective identity, epistemology, and axiology. The purpose of the program is to promote conceptual thinking, shape community-building culture, and spread the dialogue about values in Armenia and the Diaspora.
Values
What do individuals and societies value, and why do certain realities need to be valued? Values as a basis of knowledge. Correlation of values with identity, mission, and vision. The main classifications of values․ Are there fundamental values that are shared by all civilizations? The value base of education?
- Speakers: Ruben Harutyunyan, Arsen Galstyan
- Host: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
Christianity and Armenians
The role of Christianity in the life of Armenians. What is, and what is not, Christianity? Is Christianity a historical and cultural heritage or a power for constant renewal? The status and responsibility of the first Christian nation. Lack of public discussion and of reflection on spiritual issues. Why don't we want to delve into the spiritual?
- Speakers: Hakob Hakobyan, Stole Bearer Tovmas Arakelyan
- Host: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
The Role of Technologies and Social Media in the Crisis of Meaning
Why do technologies and social media create addiction? Does our time serve us, or do we serve it? What impact do technologies have on education? How can we break free from digital dependency and rediscover ourselves in a reality filled with constant distractions? Are restrictions enough, or are more fundamental changes necessary? How we can gather ourselves and find our true selves.
- Speakers: Aram Mehrabyan, Narek Margaryan
- Host: Fr. Mesrop Aramyan
Traits of the Armenian identity
The main features of collective identity (common feelings, interests, beliefs). National soul, will, and morality. The most important events and sources of the Armenian identity. What values derive from them, and how vital are they for us today? The will and courage to transform. Responsibility for the future.
- Speakers: Arsen Ghazaryan, Mher Navoyan
- Host: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
The discussion is dedicated to the issue of truth
The role of truth in the process of knowledge and self-knowledge. What does the word truth mean in different languages and civilizations? How does the truth centrism affect the formation of cultures? The truth in Christianity. What is the price of truth, and how much are we willing to sacrifice for the sake of truth?
- Speakers: Aram Pakhchanyan, Manuk Hergnyan
- Host: Fr. Mesrop Aramian
The knowledge
The role and significance of knowledge in human life. How and what do we know? Self-knowledge in the process of general knowledge. The difficulties and challenges of the path to self-knowledge. Knowledge within the context of education. What and how do we teach knowing? The issue of self-knowledge in education. Machine learning and artificial intelligence.
- Speakers: Fr. Mesrop Aramian, David Yang, Karen Musaelyan
- Host: Aram Pakhchanyan
Repentance: Spiritual, Historical, Cultural
Repentance is a profound and fundamental path of restoration, transformation, and liberation for both individuals and communities. It begins with recognizing one’s sins and mistakes, understanding their causes, feeling contrition, and taking responsibility to not repeat them.
- Speakers: Mikayel Malkhasyan, Tigran Buniatyan
- Host: Fr. Mesrop Aramian