Let's do a bit of philosophy 100...
As I search for the 21st century philosopher and the criteria required to bestow that honor to a deserving individual...
In the past, many "philosphers" were scientists...or at least they pursued answers to the question "Why?"
Which is what a scientist does best...
Often, this required a significant level of bravery because their discoveries went counter to the society's beliefs.
Society need answers to "Why?" more than anything else...it can be likened to a child's journey to adulthood...
The pursuit of "Why?" was significantly more important at that point in time to the progression of society than the application of the knowledge...
Past philosophers sought knowledge...yet the essence of philosophy is not on knowledge...but on the application of knowledge to the benefit of society...
To me and to you there is a self-evident conclusion...the 21st century must be focused on "What?"
Perhaps better stated..."So What?" or...
The value proposition of the application of knowledge to society's benefit...
When we enter the realm of "application of fact"...we move from science to engineering...which to me is an interesting thought...
A philosopher is the ultimate social engineer...who takes the discoveries (either made by himself or by others)...collides them with the social needs...controls the collision with ethics and moral concepts.
The ultimate philosopher works in all three worlds...but primarily in the realm of guided application...
Consistency, coherency...and non-contridiction...(The 3-C's)
Those astute in philosophy know that I have stated nothing other than the true meaning of philosophy...
I believe that we have to have this understanding in the forefront of our criteria...in order to find that individual...
It can not be an after-thought...
The 21st century philosopher, in this sense is an engineer...a global engineer...that will take the answers to the many "Whys?" assess their immutability and create a set of recommendations for action that maintain absolute adherence to the "3-C's."
So has the search for the 21st century philosopher been too narrow?
Do I need to expand it beyond "Nobel Laureates" to the engineering world?
...or...
Do we look in the streets among those discerning and "simple" people who apply what they know...make change in the world...or at least the part that matters...
Real impact will not be found in people who call themselves "initiators"...but by those who are "do'ers"
It is easy to sit back and tell others to "what to do"
It is much more difficult to stand up and work anything to its conclusion...
Anyone can start a marathon...fewer can run it to the finish line...
Those are the courageous people and this concept needs to stand as one of the selection criteria...
Perhaps not just for that specific 21st century hero...but for all of us...
Because if that is not an inherent trait...society is destined for degradation...
Addressing Relevant Issues and the Foundational Needs of this Society and the World...in Hope of Leaving it better for our having been here...
Your scope of search seems a bit narrow. The last few thousand years have seen great philosophers, even when this name was not used. Anyone who stood for something of relevance in the 20th century was shot, and people with ideas noticed that. This is indeed the age of degradation, the Kali Yuga. Look up "Four Noble Truths" in Wikipedia and you will find who sums up the essence of this age like no one else has.
ReplyDeleteThank you...I definitely will!
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