Our modern world is enduring a succession of crises reshaping human life on political, social, economic, and philosophical levels. These crises prompt a reevaluation of current systems, demanding a restructuring capable of confronting an increasingly complex and uncertain future. The present era, characterised as the "Age of Consecutive Crises", encompasses health disasters like Covid-19, geopolitical conflicts, environmental threats, and technological disruptions. Martin Heidegger’s concept of existential anxiety reflects this crisis-laden reality, where collective anxiety drives urgent responses to issues that have transcended theoretical debates to demand immediate solutions. Philosophy plays a critical role in addressing the fundamental questions raised by these crises: What is the nature of human existence amidst instability? What are the ethical limits and collective responsibilities when crises arise from human actions themselves?
The intensifying crises reveal structural deficiencies within the global system, particularly its ethical framework and strategic planning capabilities. Philosophically, the unknown is not mere emptiness but rather the result of unresolved issues, such as the absence of justice, economic inequality, and the disproportionate balance of power worldwide. When one dominant force imposes its oppressive weight over other nations, the future becomes an unclear projection of injustice. Major powers often engage in cross-border projects through massive investments or security systems that disregard the will of other peoples or enforce their agendas through warfare and coercion. Such actions produce an artificial unknown, one crafted by human ambition and political greed. Unless preventive policies and effective international governance are established, this trend will continue, driving humanity further into uncertainty and turmoil.
Historically, philosophy has provided humanity with guidance during critical junctures. Greek philosophers, particularly Socrates, confronted political and moral crises by relentlessly questioning established concepts of justice and virtue. Such questioning exposed flaws in social and political systems, encouraging self-awareness and intellectual growth. In contemporary times, philosophical frameworks such as those proposed by Arab philosopher Taha Abdurrahman offer new ethical paradigms capable of addressing global chaos. Abdurrahman’s vision emphasises the need for an Islamic moral philosophy that restructures concepts of politics, freedom, and economic justice to align with current developments. His approach highlights the significance of practical philosophy, which merges theory with application, as a necessary tool for addressing modern challenges.
John Rawls’s “A Theory of Justice” provides another philosophical perspective rooted in fairness and equitable resource distribution. Such theories, both ancient and modern, advocate for the creation of fair political systems aligned with the evolving realities of the digital age and shifting power dynamics. Technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), has emerged as a dual-edged force. While technological advancements have accelerated progress in various fields, including healthcare, they have also exposed significant disparities in global justice. For instance, the rapid development of Covid-19 vaccines demonstrated both technological prowess and ethical shortcomings, as poorer nations struggled to secure sufficient doses.
The growing influence of algorithms and AI in political and military decision-making raises further concerns. Reports indicate that algorithms increasingly manipulate public opinion through media campaigns and electoral processes, exploiting vast data sets to influence social and psychological dynamics. Additionally, AI is weaponised in warfare through espionage, surveillance, and targeted killings. Michel Foucault’s questions about power and control remain relevant: “Who controls whom? Is technology a new form of power, or merely a tool in the hands of traditional forces?” The increasing dominance of digital systems demands ethical reflection and regulatory frameworks to prevent misuse and safeguard fundamental human rights.
The crises humanity faces are not isolated phenomena but interconnected challenges resulting from unresolved structural deficiencies and unethical governance. Whether technological, geopolitical, or environmental, these crises reflect a broader moral failure to address essential questions about justice, fairness, and human dignity. Ultimately, the unknown is a human construct resulting from neglect, greed, and an unwillingness to address foundational issues. Philosophy remains essential as a tool for questioning, understanding, and restructuring human systems to foster a more just and ethical world. The future requires more than technological advancements; it demands moral clarity, philosophical depth, and a commitment to justice that transcends political and economic interests.
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