In an age dominated by technology, market competition, and rapid specialisation, philosophy is often dismissed as impractical or irrelevant.
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In an age dominated by technology, market competition, and rapid specialisation, philosophy is often dismissed as impractical or irrelevant. University departments shrink, students are encouraged to pursue “useful” degrees, and wisdom is increasingly measured in terms of economic success. Yet this growing neglect of philosophy may be one of the most serious intellectual and moral crises of our time.
Historically, philosophy has been the foundation of all disciplines. Science, mathematics, politics, psychology, and even theology emerged from philosophical inquiry. From Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle in the West, to Confucius and Laozi in China, and the sages of the Upaniṣads and the Buddha in India, philosophy shaped civilisations by asking fundamental questions: What is reality? What is knowledge? How should we live? What is a just society?
Philosophy is not merely abstract speculation. The very word comes from the Greek philo (love) and sophia (wisdom)—the love of wisdom. Unlike technical knowledge, philosophy examines the assumptions, values, and purposes underlying all human activities. It trains the mind to think critically, question dogma, and reflect deeply on life. Socrates’ warning that “the unexamined life is not worth living” remains as relevant today as ever.
Western philosophy has contributed significantly to rational inquiry, scientific thinking, democracy, and human rights. Today, it continues to guide ethical debates on artificial intelligence, biotechnology, environmental crises, and social justice. In an era of misinformation and ideological polarisation, philosophical reasoning equips citizens to distinguish truth from falsehood and reason from propaganda.
Chinese philosophy offers another vital perspective. Confucianism emphasises moral cultivation, social responsibility, and ethical leadership, reminding us that good governance depends on virtue rather than power alone. Daoism teaches harmony with nature, simplicity, and humility—insights that are crucial in the face of climate change and ecological destruction. These traditions show that philosophy is not only about thinking well, but about living well.
Indian philosophy, known as Darśana or “vision,” focuses on experiential wisdom and inner transformation. Its concern with suffering, self-knowledge, and liberation has inspired practices such as yoga and meditation, now widely used to promote mental health and well-being across the world. Indian philosophy reminds us that knowledge should transform the person, not merely inform the intellect.
Despite these enduring contributions, philosophy has been marginalised in modern education. Governments and institutions prioritise science and technology for their immediate economic returns, often ignoring ethical, existential, and cultural dimensions of human life. As material comfort becomes the dominant value, deeper questions about meaning, responsibility, and human dignity are sidelined.
This neglect has consequences. Leadership crises, social fragmentation, moral indifference, and environmental destruction are not merely technical problems; they are philosophical failures. Knowledge without ethics can be dangerous, while power without wisdom can be disastrous.
Philosophy plays a crucial role in shaping ethical leadership and social harmony. By cultivating virtues such as justice, compassion, humility, and responsibility, it prepares individuals to serve the common good rather than narrow self-interest. While philosophy alone cannot eliminate evil, it can reduce ignorance, prejudice, and moral blindness.
In a world increasingly uncertain about its values and direction, philosophy is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Reintegrating philosophy into education at all levels can nurture critical thinking, moral integrity, and reflective citizenship. The future of humanity depends not only on smarter technologies, but on wiser human beings.
Philosophy, ultimately, reminds us what it means to be human.
Xavier Pfokrehe Mao,
Professor, Department of Philosophy,
North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong.