The experience of Solidarity was important for Polish identity and Poland's genuine contribution to the world. At first glance, it might seem that it was a solely political event. Yet, the phenomenon of Solidarity - its manifestation and development - was considerably formed by the intellectual contributions of Rev. Prof. Józef Tischner and Cardinal Karol Wojtyła (who would become our beloved Pope John Paul II). Both thinkers are deeply connected to our Faculty. Rev. Prof. Tischer was the dean of the Faculty of Philosophy and Cardinal Wojtyła helped our university enter into existence and grow. Both planted the seeds for the further development of Polish philosophy, which has gone on to be studied and enriched by our staff and students in their research

Polish society's experience of the phenomenon of solidarity in the 20th century is also strongly visible in the heritage of the NSZZ "Solidarność",  the famous trade union that appeared as an incarnation of the Solidarity movement. Together, these institutions created The International Center for Research on the Phenomenon of Solidarity (MCBFS). At the beginning of its existence, the Center's scientific council discussed the work it was undertaking and decided that a priority for the center would be the issue of promoting the globalisation of the Polish experience of solidarity. The phenomenon of solidarity appeared in Poland as a result of numerous factors. Understanding what these factors were and what precipitated its emergence are subjects of discussion and research at MCBFS. MBFS believes understanding the phenomenon of solidarity can be helpful on a greater scale. It has the potential to solve many pressing issues in other countries and societies, as well as in the global economy (as was declared in the Council's declaration).

With an understanding of the history we have experienced and the problems that remain to be solved, we would like to invite you to join us at the Solidarity Summer School. We hope to share the lessons and potentialities of the phenomenon of solidarity with our students. We will work to increase their knowledge of solidarity and encourage them to consider its implications in the 21st century. With the energy of our professors and students, set within the context of an international, educational environment,  and framed against the experiences of distinguished individuals who have already explored the idea of solidarity - we will work together to consider if and how the Polish experience of solidarity can be globalized and what its contributions to the 21st century world can be. 

Solidarity is an important part of our faculty's research and the center needs your intellect to develop! We are inviting students and doctoral students to join us at the Summer School to work in collaboration with us. Together, we will research and work in the center, studying Philosophy at the Pontifical University of John Paul II.