Two questions everyone must answer
In a recent conversation with a friend about world-view, left vs right, individualism vs collective, right or wrong, good or evil, moral duty of a human being vs moral duty of society and views on social justice, equality, race and immigration, I had an important realization.
Most of one’s core philosophy can be understood by their answers to these two fundamental question.
Is it the moral duty of the individual to act subserviant to society’s ambition or is it the moral duty of the society to be subserviant to an individuals ambition? In other words - should society be organized such that individuals are serving to maximize some stated goal of the society or the society be structured in such a way that the most ambitious amongst us can realize their full ambition?Are the behaviors and social culture of a society a result of the economic activity that a society pursues or the economic activity a society choses is a result of established behaviors and social culture prevalent in the society.
These questions are not trivial - some of the greatest thinkers over last few thousands years have debated and tried to answer these questions.
I asked our beloved AI - GPT4 the first question and here’s the response
There is no simple answer to this question, as different philosophical and ethical frameworks can yield different answers. However, I can provide a general overview of some common perspectives.
One perspective is that society exists for the benefit of its members, and therefore, individuals have a moral duty to contribute to the common good. In this view, society's goals and ambitions are paramount, and individuals should be expected to subordinate their own interests and desires to those of the group. This might mean that individuals are expected to pursue careers or engage in activities that are deemed beneficial to society, even if they are not personally fulfilling.
On the other hand, some argue that society exists to support individuals in achieving their goals and ambitions. In this view, individuals are seen as the primary agents of change, and society's role is to provide the resources and support necessary for individuals to achieve their full potential. This might mean that society should prioritize the needs and desires of individuals over collective goals and ambitions.
Ultimately, the question of whether individuals should serve society's goals or vice versa depends on one's ethical and political beliefs. Different perspectives might emphasize different values, such as individual autonomy, social justice, or community welfare. In practice, most societies seek to balance individual and collective interests to some degree, but the precise balance will vary depending on cultural, historical, and political factors.
I asked it provide key thinkers in each camp:
The philosophical debate about the balance between individual and social interests is a complex and multifaceted one that has engaged many thinkers throughout history. Here are some notable figures associated with each camp:
For the view that individuals should be subservient to society's ambitions:
Plato: In his Republic, Plato argued that individuals should submit to the authority of the state and pursue roles that align with their natural abilities, for the good of the whole.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau: In his Social Contract, Rousseau proposed that individuals should willingly surrender some of their individual freedom to the community in exchange for protection and stability.
Karl Marx: Marx argued that individual interests are subordinate to the needs of the working class as a whole, and that society should be organized around collective ownership of the means of production.
For the view that society should be subservient to individual ambitions:
John Stuart Mill: In his work On Liberty, Mill argued that individuals should have maximum freedom to pursue their own interests, as long as they do not harm others. He also believed that individuality and creativity are essential for social progress.
Friedrich Nietzsche: Nietzsche championed the idea of the individual "superman" who transcends societal norms and conventions in pursuit of greatness. He criticized the "herd mentality" that he saw as prevalent in modern societies.
Ayn Rand: Rand believed that the pursuit of individual happiness and achievement should be the highest moral purpose, and that any attempt to limit individual ambition or achievement is immoral. She espoused a philosophy called Objectivism, which emphasized rational self-interest and laissez-faire capitalism.
Of course, these are just a few examples, and there are many other thinkers who have contributed to this debate in various ways. The relationship between individual and societal interests is a complex and ongoing discussion in philosophy, politics, and ethics.
I asked our beloved AI - GPT4 the second question and here’s the response:
This is a complex and debated question in the field of sociology and economics. There is no simple answer to whether behaviors and social culture of a society are a result of the economic activity pursued by that society or whether the economic activity pursued is a result of established behaviors and social culture prevalent in the society.
Some scholars argue that economic activity is a primary driver of social and cultural change. They suggest that economic changes, such as the development of new technologies, lead to changes in social structures and cultural practices. For example, the rise of industrialization and capitalism in Europe in the 19th century is thought to have led to changes in family structures, gender roles, and social values.
On the other hand, some scholars argue that social and cultural factors play a significant role in shaping economic activity. They suggest that cultural norms and values, such as attitudes towards work, entrepreneurship, and risk-taking, can influence economic decision-making and outcomes. For example, the Confucian emphasis on education, hard work, and frugality is believed to have played a role in the economic success of East Asian countries.
Ultimately, the relationship between economic activity, behaviors, and social culture is complex and multidirectional. While economic activity can shape social and cultural practices, social and cultural practices can also shape economic decision-making and outcomes. The interaction between these factors is influenced by historical, political, and institutional contexts, making it challenging to establish a clear causal relationship.
Unsurprisingly - the german philosophers including Marx believe economics and technology advancements shape culture. The french economists believe that culture shapes economics.
