EUROPEAN IDENTITY What defines us as European?

 

EUROPEAN IDENTITY

What defines us as European?

During the project meeting in Babenhausen, we, as students from three countries, discussed what it means to be European. We compiled the following points. We then extracted key ideas from texts written by influential European thinkers that are important to the fundamental concept of “Europe” and attempted to categorize our ideas.

 

1.       EQUALITY - John Locke: He demanded freedom and equality of every single person with a social contract

·         Free choice of religion

·         Access to education for all

 

2.       REPUBLICAN - Immanuel Kant: You have to get an on opinion and not only follow what you are told. Government has to be separated from Legislative (Separation of powers). Pure reason revolution!

·         Different cultures coexist

·         Living in a European country and also having different cultures

·         Many languages and cultures and a lot of history to be explored

·         Everyone has their own language, culture and traditions that we can learn about

 

3.       REFORMATIION – Martin Luther: In 1517, when he published his thesis, he outlined he importance of personal rights, especially peace, freedom and help from people around you

 

4.       DEMOCRACY – Pericles: Pericles is considered the father of democracy. His ideas have influenced politics throughout Europe. Ancient Greek democracy serves as a model for modern systems in democratic countries. More and more countries want democracy.

·         Democracy

·         Free opinions

·         Different opinions about politics

·         Freedom of speech

·         Free healthcare, less poverty

·         Peace

·         Open borders

·         Being European means that you have the freedom to express your opinion

5.       UNITY – Jean Jacques Rousseau: He wanted to unite countries by religion, federal government and knowledge. He wanted to get rid of different religions and cultures to prevent wars. He wanted everyone to be equal and all powers to unite as one.

·         You are free to live where you want

·         No borders

·         Connected community

 

6.       FREEDOM – Salvador d. Madrigada: Individual freedom is one of the most important things in our life. Freedom allows you to mentally feel better and to give you good values.

·         You can travel to other countries easily

·         A lot of history to be explored

·         To have access to education and to learn about cultures

·         Liberty – to live on a continent

·         Freedom

·         Being European means that I am free

·         Everyone owns a unique cultural background and a lot of history

·         Free opinion

·         Being European means for me to have the freedom to travel to other countries

·         It’s the feel you have when you are in the country and the communication is awesome

 

7.       CURIOUSITY – Plato:  He thinks that there is so much more in the world,  but we do not know everything and we are only a small part of the world.

·         Learning about different cultures

·         I can study in another country

 

8.       HUMANTIY OVERCOMES NATIONALISM – Erasmus of Rotterdam: We should treat each other as humans and not hate one another because of believes, nation or religion: live –love – laugh

·         Each country has different traditions, food, costumes (customs?), dances

·         We are open for every religion and culture

·         Being able to celebrate differences and similarities in each culture