Philosophy Magazine

The philosophy magazine was initiated as an institutional initiative aimed at strengthening students' critical and analytical thinking. It also represents a space for argumentative and dialectical construction on current or historically significant topics. Additionally, it symbolizes a place through which old philosophical discussions such as freedom vs. determinism, love and hate, immortality and mortality, etc., are redefined. All of this has allowed for the consolidation of a philosophical identity among the students of our institution.

The philosophy magazine was initially titled Metanoia, which managed to publish two editions (volumes that can be read in the attached documents) under the direction of Professor Andrés Velásquez. However, it was discontinued due to various daily and academic factors. From Metanoia to Phronesis, students have associated these names with a safe space for free expression and philosophical reflection.

Current Status of the Magazine – Phronesis

The Phronesis philosophy magazine, as a project, stems from recognizing students' needs for creating a space that fosters criticism, creativity, and freedom of imagination on various topics of interest. It is a space that not only integrates the different opinions students can contribute on current discussions but also represents the possibility of simply expressing what was previously unexpressable, that is, in the absence of a place for reflection, many students' ideas evaporated into anonymity and remained relegated to the private sphere.

The Phronesis magazine has so far managed to launch three volumes:

The first one revolved around themes of free reflection such as love, guilt, morality, mental health, etc. Volume I of the magazine was the result of close collaboration and relentless work by the teacher Breyman Rodríguez along with students Juan Sebastián Andrade and Sofía Vargas. This great team managed to bring together the various voices of the students and present them to all readers of the institution, including teachers and peers.

On the other hand, Volume II primarily focused on thematic axes such as reason and emotion, freedom vs. determinism, love and forgetfulness, and being or not being. For this volume, the working group demonstrated a positive transformation: the working group was restructured, creating committees for interviews, articles, and graphics. Each of these was composed of a committee leader and three collaborators, and each committee is advised, supported, and strengthened by the presence of an assigned teacher.

Finally, the launch of Volume III of the Phronesis magazine took place at the end of April 2024. This volume's central theme was "Colombianity," which was addressed through the analysis of four thematic axes: forgiveness and reconciliation, forgetting and memory, truth and justice, and finally, multiculturalism and biodiversity. The launch of this III volume was a special occasion because it featured a main event with students: a discussion with special guests such as journalist Juan Carlos Garay, national poetry award winner Diego Armando Peña, and teacher Arleth Guevara. Additionally, a workshop with cartoonist Nadim Amín was held prior to the discussion. Students could participate in various modalities: articles, interviews, photography, illustration, and comics.

However, the publication of this magazine would not be possible without the participation of the General Editor, Breyman Rodríguez, a philosopher graduated from the National University of Colombia. He currently serves as a philosophy teacher in upper secondary and Social Studies in middle secondary at Colegio La Colina. “I am convinced that a fundamental part of the continuous improvement process in education is to provide spaces like this, the school philosophy magazine, as it represents a fertile and suitable ground for students to plant ideas.”

For the creation and classification of works in the Phronesis magazine, the establishment of 3 internal committees has been necessary:

El Comité artículos: liderado por Emily y conformado por tres colaboradores:

-Santiago
-Ian
-Ana Sofía

Teacher advisor:
Sofía Medina

El Comité entrevistas: liderado por Verónica y conformado por tres colaboradores:

-Juan Felipe
-María José
-Daniela

Teacher advisor: Jennifer Aponte.

El Comité gráficos: liderado por Juan Sebastián y conformado por dos colaboradores:

-Sofía
-Juan Pablo

Teacher advisor:
Jhon Castrillón.

In addition to the publication and creation of the Phronesis magazine and its three volumes, a bulletin board for external contributions will be created. As part of the magazine's commitment to fostering creative spaces and consolidating inter-institutional cooperation as a fundamental educational pillar, there will be a space to integrate work from other neighboring and distant educational institutions. This will create a space for inclusion and a diversity of viewpoints on specific topics, a space where debate and conversation with external institutions and students can take place. This will promote the use of philosophy as a means of relation and conversation.

Magazine Volumes

Phronesis I

Phronesis II

Phronesis III

Metanoia I

Metanoia II

Breyman Rodríguez - General Editor

Philosopher graduated from the National University of Colombia. Currently, I serve as a philosophy teacher in upper secondary and Social Studies in middle secondary at Colegio La Colina. I am also the general editor of the Phronesis philosophy magazine.

As a person and teacher, I am characterized by a strong defense of critical thinking, open dialogue, and an ongoing advocacy for creativity. I am convinced that a fundamental part of the continuous improvement process in education is to provide spaces like this, the school philosophy magazine, as it represents a fertile and suitable ground for students to plant ideas.