Family and Philosophy - H2FOZ - News from Foz do Iguaçu

By Professor Caverna – OPINION

If there is one thing that everyone has (or had) at some point in their lives, it is family. Whether it is our blood family or the family we choose, the fact is that living with other people is essential to our existence. But have you ever stopped to think about why family is so important? And what's more: have you ever thought about this from a philosophical perspective?

Many people think that family is limited to those people with whom we share a surname and some physical characteristics. But the truth is that family is much more than that. Philosophy has discussed this topic extensively, and thinkers such as Aristotle, Confucius and Sartre have brought valuable insights into human bonds and their influence on our identity.

For Aristotle, for example, the family is the basis of society. He saw the home and family ties as the first form of political organization, that is, the first “mini-state” that teaches rules, values and coexistence. Sartre, who had a more existentialist approach, makes us reflect on the fact that it is human relationships that shape our identity. In other words, without family, we would be a bunch of individuals with no connection and no reference.

Whatever concept of family you adopt, there is no denying that it exerts a huge influence on the way we see the world. Since childhood, we learn values, limits and even what is right and wrong from the people around us. Jean-Jacques Rousseau, one of the leading figures in the philosophy of education, said that we are “blank slates”, that is, blank sheets of paper that are gradually filled in by the experiences we live. And guess who writes the first lines of this story? The family! And this doesn’t only happen in childhood. Even as adults, our family roots continue to influence the way we act, think and even make decisions. That cliché phrase “like father, like son” has some truth to it. The emotional and cultural inheritances that we carry from our family shape our behavior and can be both a stimulus and a challenge to our growth.

We live in an era where human relationships are increasingly complex. The concept of family has changed a lot over time, and today there are many different formats: single-parent families, adoptive families and many other configurations that show that the most important thing is not the structure itself, but the bonds of affection and support.

Zygmunt Bauman, one of the greatest thinkers of our time, talks about “liquid modernity” and how relationships are becoming increasingly unstable. This is also reflected in families, which must deal with challenges such as technology, individualism and changes in the way we relate to others. But even in the midst of this chaos, the family continues to be an essential pillar in the construction of our identity and well-being.

If you've ever found yourself philosophizing about the meaning of life, you can be sure that family is at the center of that discussion. Viktor Frankl, an Austrian psychiatrist and philosopher, argued that human beings find meaning in life through their relationships and goals. He lived in Nazi concentration camps and realized that those who had strong emotional bonds were better able to withstand adversity. In other words, family (biological or chosen) is not just a group of people living under the same roof. It is a source of strength, meaning and support to face life's ups and downs. And, let's face it, it's always good to have someone to count on in difficult times.

Okay, family is important, but what about our freedom? No one wants to live tied to standards or expectations that don’t make sense to them. And that’s totally valid! The challenge is to find the balance between valuing family ties and building one’s own identity. Nietzsche said that “becoming who one is” is one of the greatest achievements of human beings. This means that we don’t need to blindly reproduce what we’ve been taught, but rather reflect on what makes sense for our lives. Family can be a starting point, but we are the ones who choose our final destination.

Ultimately, family is an essential element in shaping who we are. Whether through love, challenges or learning, it directly influences our way of seeing the world. But, like any relationship, it needs to be balanced so that it doesn't become a prison.

More than a traditional concept, the family should be a space for support, growth and genuine exchange. And if there is one thing that philosophy teaches us, it is that living is, above all, a great process of reflection and transformation. So, how about reflecting on your relationship with your family? After all, as Plato would say, “the unexamined life is not worth living”. And this also applies to our family ties!

Special Invitation: 5th Philosophical Café – Reflections for Parents and Children

Dear families!
We are pleased to invite you to the 5th Philosophical Café, a special meeting where parents and children can share a moment of reflection and dialogue about life's dilemmas.
In a world full of challenges and constant change, creating spaces for meaningful conversations strengthens family bonds and broadens our worldview. In this event, we will explore together issues that make us think, grow and connect in a deeper way.

Why participate?
✔ Strengthen your relationship with your child through dialogue
✔ Reflect on values, choices and life challenges
✔ Share ideas in a welcoming and inspiring environment

Date and place: October 11th at 17:37pm at Zeppelin

We will have a relaxed atmosphere and delicious coffee to make this moment even more special!
Come live this enriching experience with us! Your presence will make all the difference.
We look forward to seeing you and your family!

Tickets for the 5th Philosophical Café: