Karen C. Calaycay, MBA
Abstract
This study provided an analytical exploration of the philosophical concept of human existence, tracing its evolution from ancient thought to the contemporary implications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. By examining the philosophical progression from early notions of humans as integral to nature to modern existential and Marxist perspectives, the research highlighted the intricate interplay between human self-awareness, moral capacity, and the dialectical unity of existence. Furthermore, it analyzed the challenges and opportunities introduced by rapid technological advancement, emphasising their impact on human identity, social relations, and moral consciousness. The findings underscored the enduring relevance of philosophical reflection in addressing the existential dilemmas emerging from technological transformation. Ultimately, the study offered a comprehensive framework for understanding human existence amid the shifting paradigms of the twenty-first century.
Keywords: Human Existence; Western Philosophy; Existentialism; Marxist Thought; Fourth Industrial Revolution; Technological Transformation.
Introduction
The
philosophical quest to define and understand human existence has been central
to intellectual inquiry since the origins of philosophy. This study examined
the historical evolution of this quest, from ancient contemplations of
humanity’s place in nature to contemporary concerns shaped by technological
transformation. It sought to critically assess how major philosophical
paradigms have redefined notions of self-awareness, dignity, freedom, and moral
responsibility, particularly in response to the accelerating forces of the
Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Philosophy
has historically functioned as a medium of social and existential reflection,
addressing the nature of being and the conditions that constitute a meaningful
human life. Early philosophical thought did not sharply distinguish human
existence from broader cosmological inquiry; rather, it viewed humanity as part
of a natural and moral order. Over time, however, philosophical discourse
developed a more precise focus on human subjectivity, individuality, and
ethical autonomy.
The emergence of the
Fourth Industrial Revolution has introduced new challenges to these
philosophical foundations. Technological innovations such as artificial
intelligence, biotechnology, and automation have redefined the parameters of
human identity and social interaction (Meincke, 2023; Descombes, 2023). These
developments demand a renewed philosophical investigation into human ontology,
selfhood, and social existence (Mackay, 2022). By integrating insights from
ancient philosophy, existentialism, and Marxism, this study provided a
comprehensive analysis of the transformation of human existence in the context
of modern technological society.
Ancient
and Medieval Perspectives
In
ancient Greek philosophy, human existence was often examined as part of the
natural order. Thinkers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle emphasised
virtue, rationality, and the pursuit of eudaimonia (flourishing) as defining
features of humanity. The Medieval period further expanded this discourse
through theological inquiry, particularly in the writings of Saint Augustine,
who explored the inner world of the individual and the relationship between the
self and the divine. Augustine’s introspective approach introduced a spiritual
dimension to the philosophical understanding of human existence, focusing on
personal meaning and moral purpose.
Renaissance
and Early Modern Thought
The
Renaissance reasserted human dignity and autonomy, viewing human beings as
rational agents capable of shaping their destiny. Thinkers such as René
Descartes and Francis Bacon shifted the focus toward reason and empirical
investigation as pathways to understanding human existence. This intellectual
transition emphasised human creativity and progress, establishing the
foundation for modern humanism and rationalism.
German
Classical Philosophy
German
Idealism, represented by Kant, Fichte, Schelling, and Hegel, marked a turning
point in Western thought. Kant’s moral philosophy emphasised autonomy and the
centrality of moral law in defining human essence. Fichte and Schelling
introduced cultural and aesthetic dimensions, while Hegel advanced a
dialectical framework wherein human existence was understood as a dynamic
process of self-realisation mediated through history, reason, and society.
These developments laid the groundwork for later critiques by Marx and
existentialist thinkers.
Marxist
Conceptions of Human Existence
The
Industrial Era introduced profound changes in social and economic structures,
prompting Karl Marx to analyse human existence within the framework of material
conditions. In his Economic and Philosophical Manuscripts of 1844, Marx
identified labour as the central expression of human creativity and
self-realisation. However, under capitalism, labour became alienated, reducing
workers to commodities and severing their connection to their human essence
(Marx & Engels, 2000). Marx conceived of humans as species-beings
(Gattungswesen), whose nature is realised through purposeful activity and
social relations (Ho, 2007; Hornborg, 2013). He posited that human existence is
both biological and social, shaped by material production and collective life.
Alienation, therefore, represented not merely an economic condition but a
spiritual and existential crisis. This perspective remains profoundly relevant
in the context of automation, digital labour, and the commodification of data in
the modern age.
Human
Existence and the Fourth Industrial Revolution
The
Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has transformed traditional conceptions of
human activity, interaction, and identity. Advanced technologies such as
artificial intelligence, robotics, and biotechnology have blurred the
boundaries between the physical, digital, and biological realms (Schwab, 2018).
While these innovations promise efficiency and progress, they also raise
ethical and existential questions concerning autonomy, authenticity, and the
meaning of work and life itself (Rotatori, Lee, & Sleeva, 2021).
Philosophical
reflection on human existence within this context requires balancing the
benefits of innovation with a critical awareness of its social and moral
implications. The 4IR challenges human freedom and privacy, reshaping social
relationships and potentially eroding individuality in favour of algorithmic
control (Ahn, Jang, & Rhee, 2022). As technological systems increasingly
mediate human experience, the need for a renewed philosophical framework that
safeguards dignity and purpose becomes imperative.
Conclusion
This research underscored that the exploration of human
existence—an enduring philosophical pursuit—has gained renewed urgency in the
age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. From ancient metaphysics to Marxist
materialism, philosophy has consistently sought to articulate what it means to
be human. The technological revolution of the twenty-first century compels a
reassessment of this inquiry, as emerging technologies reshape the conditions of
human life and consciousness. While technological progress offers unprecedented
opportunities for advancement, it also threatens to alienate individuals from
their social, moral, and existential roots. The study concluded that
philosophical inquiry remains indispensable for guiding humanity through this
transformation. By integrating ethical reflection into technological
development, societies can ensure that innovation enhances rather than
diminishes the human condition. Ultimately, this research reaffirmed the
centrality of philosophical thought in navigating the complexities of modern
existence, advocating a balanced synthesis between progress and humanistic
values—a synthesis that preserves the essence of what it means to be truly
human.
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