NEW ACROPOLIS
We are a school of Philosophy
We promote Culture
We practice Volunteering
SCHOOL OF PHILOSOPHY
Chicago/ USA
Leading a Global Movement
Carlos Adelantado Puchal | International President
Since 2020, Carlos Adelantado has served as the International President of the New Acropolis Cultural Organization (OINA). He guides our federation of 50+ countries with a focus on unity, practical action, and the modernization of philosophical language.
Carlos Adelantado Puchal
International President
Born in Spain in 1964, he walked into a New Acropolis center at age 19, just like many of our students today.
While studying philosophy at the university level, he dedicated himself to the practical application of what he learned.
Local Leadership: He spent 23 years managing the New Acropolis center in Castellón, launching local cultural and volunteer projects.
National Leadership: In 2013, he moved to Madrid to support the national organization in Spain.
Global Leadership: He was elected International President in 2020.
He holds the degree of "Specialist in Philosophy of East and West" and has taught subjects ranging from Psychology to History for over 30 years.
Carlos Adelantado was born in Castellón (Spain) on January 1, 1964. At the age of 19, while studying philosophy at university, he began attending classes at the New Acropolis School of Philosophy in Castellón and supporting its many activities. He was later appointed director of the school where, over a period of 23 years, he developed a number of cultural and social volunteering projects under the umbrella of the Castalia Cultural Centre. He was also coordinator of the various New Acropolis centres in the Levante area of Spain. At the same time, he continued to study and teach philosophy and was awarded the degree of “Specialist in Eastern and Western Philosophy” by the International Organization New Acropolis based in Brussels. He has been teaching different subjects in the curriculum of the New Acropolis School of Philosophy for more than 30 years, as well as giving lectures and participating in academic conferences. His approach has always emphasized the need to put philosophy into practice and apply it in addressing the problems of today’s world. In 2013 he moved to Madrid to take over the management of the head office of New Acropolis in Spain and carry out a number of management responsibilities at a national level. In Madrid, he has promoted activities to make the rich historical and artistic heritage of the city known to a wider public, along with other projects for the promotion of culture. In 2017 he was appointed Deputy International President of the IONA and in 2020 he took up his current post as International President.
Philosophy for Today
In a recent interview, Carlos shared his vision for the role of philosophy in the modern world. Here are a few highlights:
On the usefulness of philosophy: "Today, 'philosophy' is an undervalued word, often forgotten in a drawer. However, it is natural to ask why things happen to us. Philosophy is a necessary tool to give existence a coherent meaning and to take responsibility for our own lives."
On critical thinking & dogma: "We cannot pretend to be liked and accepted by everyone; that is outside all logic. Criticism can be constructive. If we eliminated the right to criticize, we would be limiting human freedom. Critical thinking—subjecting life to analysis—is the trait of a philosopher."
On volunteering: "My great wish is that volunteer actions won't be just 'good deeds.' I hope that the people acting as volunteers strengthen their bond with life. Volunteering increases empathy, self-esteem, and hope."
What do we mean by "Esoteric"?
In a recent interview, Carlos shared his vision for the role of philosophy in the modern world. Here are a few highlights:
You might hear New Acropolis described as a school of "esoteric" philosophy. For many, that word sounds mysterious or strange. This could be explained with a simple metaphor:
"Esoteric simply means 'inner' or 'hidden from plain view.'
Think of a building.
The Exoteric (Outer): You see the walls, the windows, and the paint.
The Esoteric (Inner): You can't see the steel beams, the foundation, or the framework that holds the building up.
We study the 'Esoteric'—the invisible values and principles that hold our lives (and the universe) together."
Watch the Full Interview
Carlos discusses the history of the organization, the meaning of our symbols, and the future of the school.
(Note: Video is in Spanish with English Subtitles)
