The Next 100 Years of Philosophy

Of those who are not philosophy enthusiasts, I have heard two major concerns. The primary objection to the value of philosophy is that none of the problems ever get solved. Many of the questions of the presocratic era are still being asked today. The second problem, and perhaps the more urgent, is that philosophy only leads to more philosophy. Philosophy breeds more thought as opposed to more tangible solutions.

Since I do not have a clear understanding of the 20th Century, I would be a fool to attempt to predict the next century of human endeavors. But, I can state that the questions asked of philosophers in the 21st century will be more important in the tangible day to day lives of everyday people than ever before in modern history. Philosophy must be taken seriously. And the philosophy that must be taken seriously is the philosophy of all peoples... the philosophy of non-western cultures, the philosophy of women... and perhaps even, the philosophy of children and what it is to be a child.

Sometimes, I fear it is already too late. Most days, I have great faith that it is But admittedly, philosophy, including nonwestern philosophy, should have forced itself upon a pedestal and demanded a national and international dialogue in the 21st century. And perhaps, someone should have demanded that there be more than white men in the room.

I am now certain that Ethics needs to be a mandatory course in all American schools. Ethics, theoretical or applied, though withheld from standardized testing should be taught at least once in elementary, middle and high school. Many children may find it to be boring and unnecessary, but a nation of 21st century children who have not thought seriously about the implications of their thoughts, actions and decisions on those around them and future generations is a frightening notion.

My primary areas of concern for the next 100 years are Education, Health and Exploration. Perhaps if you would have spoken with me 10 years ago, I would have noted that the most important issues at the break of the millennium was class. Money, money, money, I would have screamed. Roberson, Jr. wrote that the problem of the 21st century would be the problem of the class line, mirroring the DuBoisian warning of race a century before. While, I still agree with problems of wealth, resources and their distribution, their impact will seem to be most devastating with regard to their relationship to education and access to information, health and access to health care, exploration and access to other worlds.

The philosopher who is detached from the want of fame, money or power is necessary in this era of information. The primary problem is that if successful enough, the philosophical writer and speaker will achieve all three and one alone is enough to taint the quality of her pursuit.

Thus the problem of the 21st Century is a problem of access. If class be an issue it is because of the access to knowledge, health and exploration that it disallows.

Education is the only way to create an underclass of people. While on the surface it may seem that military might could create huge disadvantages, a military is nothing without weapons and competitive weapons are impossible with out education. The proliferation of a sizable underclass may be the most profitable way to run a society, to manage a civilization. However, morally and spiritually the presence of an underclass is the greatest impediment to the advancement of humans. This is the first reason why a philosophy can rise to importance in the 21st century, because it would take a person not interested in profit or power to demonstrate this effectively.

Genetics seems to have been born through the bowels of Eugenics. Medical advances in the 21st century are too astronomical to ignore the possibilities of Eugenics. Mere patriotism is not enough. Even religion may not be enough. There must be some tie that binds all humans, and perhaps all living things to prevent the prevalence of Eugenics (the pursuit of a biological underclass) within the next 100 years.

Human residence outside of the planet Earth will take place within the next 100 years. Technologically it is possible right now. The last time humans explored anything, vast warfare, enslavement and colonization took place. The negative impact of human exploration lasted for centuries. What would prevent the same from taking place once other planets and moons are explored?

So for the first objection to the relevance of philosophy, science will help us answer many philosophical questions that we could barely perceive before. The second objection could be combated within this century. Most professions talk amongst themselves. Academics speak with those in institutions, leaders speak with those in power and executive speak with those in business. Those not affiliated with academic, military, business or political organizations are generally left out of the shuffle. Philosophy will only be important as a bridge between various peoples.

Granted, philosophy has never had that role before in society. It was its own pedestal. But perhaps the future of human race and our relationship to the rest of the universe is dependent upon the next generations of philosophers to demand that the world listens.

It may be too late, already. But for the sake of children, people of color, or women, of historically disadvantages groups, nations and states, I hope it is not too late.