Socio-Philosophical Explication of Major Civilizational Challenges

The concept of a “major challenge”, which in the contemporary socio-cultural context has become a legislatively established term in national strategic planning documents, was examined. The origins and development of the paradigm of strategic planning at national and civilizational levels are noted to be linked to responses to major challenges. The paradigm of major challenges makes it possible not only to identify the threats facing society but also to direct the historical dynamics of modernization processes toward the transformation of society. Conceptual approaches to the philosophical explication of the “major challenge” concept were analyzed, as well as their place in social, historical, and political theories. One of the concepts proposed by A. Toynbee, which led some authors to describe the “challenge-and-response” law, as it provides a framework for understanding why civilizations survive and actively develop under difficult conditions, only to eventually decline and perish, was examined. The rapid development of digital technologies is noted to have led nowadays not only to the emergence of virtual reality but also to an entire range of problems arising from its interaction with actual reality. A number of forward-looking forecasts of the development of the world order are presented, which make it possible to conclude that reflection on specific challenges is highly relevant for contemporary Russian philosophical thought as a basis for further expert discussion on national development. The position that Russia will occupy in the emerging world order will directly depend on its ability to identify, assess, describe, and implement responses to major challenges of both natural and anthropogenic origin.

EDN HJIVLB   

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