Brief Summary
The video explores the concept of "loss of value" in modern society, drawing on the work of philosopher Max Horkheimer. It discusses how reason has become instrumental, focused on efficiency and achieving pre-set goals like satisfaction and happiness, rather than setting its own goals based on objective values. This shift has led to a decline in individuality and a reliance on external systems and idols for meaning. The video concludes by suggesting a need to refocus on the creative potential of individuals to create their own values, rather than seeking objective ones.
- Modern society is experiencing a "loss of value," where money and material satisfaction have become the primary focus.
- Reason has become instrumental, serving as a tool to achieve pre-set goals rather than setting its own.
- This has led to a decline in individuality, as people are seen as machines pursuing satisfaction within a system.
- The current social system, built on now-questioned values, relies on idols like nationalism and commercial materialism for stability.
- The solution lies in refocusing on the creative potential of individuals to create their own values.
Introduction: The Question of Existence
The video starts by posing fundamental questions about the meaning of life and the values humans should pursue. It reflects on the difficulty of finding answers through personal reasoning or societal guidance, leading to a sense of existential uncertainty. This introduction sets the stage for exploring the phenomenon of "loss of value" in contemporary society.
The Era of Loss of Value
The discussion begins with a reference to a video titled "The Era of Loss of Value," which highlights how Korean society increasingly equates all values with money. The speaker notes that this phenomenon is not unique to Korea and is observed across various countries and time periods. The speaker introduces the philosopher Max Horkheimer and his book "Critique of Instrumental Reason," written 80 years ago, which addresses the same concept of value loss.
Critique of Instrumental Reason: The Shift in the Concept of Reason
Horkheimer's core argument is that the concept of reason has changed significantly, threatening human society. Traditionally, reason involved a mix of subjective and objective aspects, where people believed in objective laws and rational principles in the world. Reason was not just a subjective ability but the capacity to understand and live according to these principles, including ethical ones. However, in the modern era, the belief in objective reason has declined, particularly in Anglo-American philosophy, leading to a distrust of universal principles.
The Rise of Empiricism and Utilitarianism
Empiricism, with its emphasis on sensory experience and the combination of external information, has contributed to the decline of objective reason. Utilitarianism, which seeks the greatest happiness for the greatest number, has also played a role. These philosophies prioritize subjective satisfaction over objective values, leading to a view of reason as a tool for achieving pre-set goals like happiness or economic success.
Reason as a Tool and the Loss of Spontaneity
As reason becomes instrumental, it loses the ability to set its own goals. The traditional concept of humans as rational beings who can think about and decide on the goals they should pursue is diminished. This leads to a loss of spontaneity, reducing humans to a material state where they act according to mechanical principles rather than using their minds as a starting point.
Scientism and the Dismissal of Values
The decline in the ability to set values leads to scientism, the belief that only what can be verified through experimentation or observation is valid. This perspective dismisses discussions about values and direction as metaphysical, superstitious, or unscientific. Experimental physics, which adheres to empirical activities, is considered the most superior discipline.
The Void at the Core of Modern Society
The modern social system, created by people who implicitly believed in objective reason, now faces a crisis because people no longer believe in the values that support it. This creates a void at the core of modern society, leading to questions about the necessity of social order, equality, and justice. From this perspective, a modern nation is nothing more than a sand pit.
The Role of Idols in Maintaining Modern Society
To maintain stability, modern societies rely on idols like fascism, nationalism, and commercial materialism. These ideologies provide a sense of unity and purpose in the absence of shared values. Fascism promotes the idea of national superiority, while materialism suggests that individual satisfaction is the greatest value.
The Decline of Individuality
Despite the appearance of greater choice and freedom, modern society, with its focus on material satisfaction, leads to a decline in individuality. People are seen as machines pursuing satisfaction within a system, with the structure of satisfaction assumed to be the same for everyone. This is reflected in the popularity of happiness psychology, which promotes a universal standard of happiness.
The Loss of Unique Value
The speaker illustrates the loss of unique value with the example of walking. While a person might naturally enjoy walking in beautiful scenery, modern thinking reduces walking to its health benefits, suggesting that any activity with the same health-promoting effect is an adequate substitute. This makes it difficult to appreciate the unique value that each activity and individual experience can offer.
Reflections on Horkheimer's Argument and the Low Birth Rate Phenomenon
The speaker reflects on the relevance of Horkheimer's arguments, noting the similarities between the concerns of 80 years ago and today's society. The speaker suggests that South Korea's low birth rate phenomenon may be a result of people questioning the values of their society and recognizing the lack of inherent meaning in continuing the existing system.
The Path Forward: Refocusing on the Human Spirit
The speaker suggests that the solution lies in refocusing attention on the creative potential of the human spirit. By recognizing the power of spontaneity and the ability to create one's own values, there is hope for a reversal of the current situation. While materialism may offer a temporary fix, it ultimately covers up the underlying wounds. The ultimate breakthrough lies in embracing the possibilities of the human spirit.
Conclusion: Embracing Individual Creativity
The speaker concludes by clarifying that while they find Horkheimer's analysis insightful, they do not fully agree with his call to re-accept objective reason. Instead, the speaker believes that the focus should be on the creativity and challenge potential of the values that individuals possess. The video ends with an invitation for viewers to share their thoughts on the values they should pursue in these times.
