FAKES vs REALITY E-Book

J-G MATUSZEK

• Herausgeber: BoD - Books on Demand
• Kategorie: Geisteswissenschaft
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 391

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025

Beschreibung

Why Fakes Are More Than Just False News. Fakes are no longer just crude falsehoods circulating in the digital space. They have evolved into complex tools of manipulation, subtle, emotionally charged, and ideologically loaded. Their forms are diverse: fake news, deepfakes, manipulated studies, fake profiles, political propaganda, distorted statistics, or artificially generated opinions by bots. Despite their differences, they all share a common goal: to sow confusion, undermine trust, and influence power structures. In a world where information circulates globally, the distinction between knowledge and understanding has become a matter of survival. Knowledge alone is not enough, it must be contextualized, reflected upon, and questioned. Understanding means recognizing connections, uncovering motives, and interpreting narratives. Anyone who reduces fakes to simple factual errors underestimates their true impact. They do not merely operate at the level of information, but infiltrate deep into emotional and societal frameworks.

Leseprobe

CONTENT

1. Knowledge and understanding

2. Relationship between philosophy and international politics

3. The integration of psychology into philosophy

4. When everything becomes secondary

5. The rights of civil society

6. Crisis resilience

7. What is the temporal framework of extremism?

8. Defending a society

9. Politics of rationality

10. The unproductive forgetting of history

11. The phenomenon of falsification

12. Fakes and historical errors

13. Fakes in Sports

14. Why philosophy must prove itself in politics

15. Deep fake vs. deep fact

16. Global responsibility

17. The United Nations - a biotope for a global fake generation?

18. Vital interests in a free world

19. Communication from the perspective of policy evaluation

20. Profiles of efficient political management

21. Who deals the cards at the international table?

22. Current Fake stories on the international stage

23. What immediate threats does Europe face?

24. Europe’s new responsibilities

25. Summary - or what was there to discover?

1. KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

Knowledge and understanding come across like a newlywed couple. One partner meticulously collects facts, while the other rolls their eyes and asks, “Yeah, but why?” Knowledge loves details and data. Understanding, on the other hand, wants the bigger story behind it all. So who’s the better player in this game?

While Knowledge stacks facts like bricks, understanding tries to build something bigger, maybe an insight, maybe just a lopsided tower that still manages to impress. In the end, they need each other, even if they’d never admit it. Because without knowledge, understanding is empty. And without understanding, knowledge is just a glorified wikipedia entry.

Knowledge and understanding are key concepts not only in everyday life, but also in philosophy, especially in the field of cognitive science. They’re closely linked, yet fundamentally different in meaning. The difference is a bit like that between a parrot and a philosopher. A parrot can repeat anything, facts, data, maybe even a few clever quotes if it’s well trained. But ask it why the sun shines, and you won’t get an answer.

Without knowledge, there can be no understanding. Knowledge consists of concrete, verifiable information gathered from various sources, books, lectures, AI, or life experiences, reinforced by observation, study, and experience. It’s based on external input.

But what do we actually do with all that? Knowledge can be objectively tested and validated. You can say, for example, “The Earth is round” or “Water boils at 100°C under standard atmospheric pressure.” But understanding provides the deeper coherence, the insight into how things are connected beyond the facts themselves. It’s not just about having information, but about grasping how that information fits together and applies to specific situations. Understanding requires seeing the meaning and relationships between facts in a broader context. It involves comprehending the underlying principles and Knowledge is made of concrete, verifiable information drawn from experience, observation, and study. It comes from external sources, books, lectures, AI, or personal experience. But what do you do with it?

Knowledge can be objectively checked and validated: like saying, “The Earth is round” or “Water boils at 100 °C under normal pressure.” Understanding, on the other hand, provides the deeper coherence needed to grasp the relationships behind the facts. It’s not just about having information, it's about how that information connects and applies in broader contexts. Understanding requires grasping the significance and interrelations in a larger framework.

Knowledge is the first step, it supplies the building blocks. But understanding is what turns stones into a cathedral or a cozy sidewalk café. Understanding makes knowledge useful, exciting, even human. When you learn something new, you don’t only ask what you now know, you ask what it means and what you can do with it. Only then does knowledge become a real adventure.

Understanding produces new things. But to get there, you must engage with knowledge, not neglect it. Training is necessary, and then results follow. That’s why scientists, builders, politicians, and diplomats engage deeply not only with their core subject matter but equally intensely with philosophy, psychology, and history.

When something is understood, you can apply that knowledge across contexts. Understanding enhances problem-solving and the capacity to discover new connections. You know Paris is the capital of France, but to truly understand Paris, you need more, its history, culture, society, and geopolitical significance. Knowledge is like Google Maps, it shows the way. Understanding is when we don’t just locate the Eiffel Tower, but feel why it was once scandalous and will remain symbolic.

Facts and information are opposed to context and deeper meaning. This means that the superficial accumulation of data runs counter to a deep insight into the underlying principles.

Storing and retrieving information is only worthwhile if it is integrated into the application. Information can often be acquired easily, but understanding requires more thought, reflection, and experience. A medical student knows the human body comprises various organs, each with specific functions, like the heart pumping blood. Understanding means grasping how the heart works with other organs to sustain circulation, why factors like blood pressure matter, and how diseases like hypertension affect heart function. Understanding goes beyond knowledge by situating it in a broader context and recognizing interrelations and effects.

This distinction becomes most striking in international relations. A political scientist or diplomat may know countless facts about political systems, key players, economic conditions, military capacities, and institutional structures. But understanding requires the ability to interpret complex interplays and dynamics between states and global institutions. Understanding means knowing why some states act a certain way in certain situations and what long-term effects might emerge.

We see the subtle difference between a diplomat who rattles off facts at a meeting and one who grasps the real meaning behind small talk and negotiations. In international politics, we all know that the U.S. is a superpower, Russia presses clumsily across the geopolitical stage, and China is constantly rolling out a new Belt and Road. That’s knowledge. But understanding is seeing that these states are playing on an overcharged chessboard, each move driven by “we want influence”, and realizing that all rules are temporary, adjustable, and redesignable.

Imagine a politician arriving at a meeting saying, “I know climate change is a problem, so let’s tackle it!” Then the Brazilian leader responds, “But our economy depends on the rainforest!” The politician knows climate change is a problem. But only when he understands that Brazilian governments have long negotiated how to protect the forest without harming their economy does he get to the point. Maybe there’s even a secret recipe for the perfect solution, but no one knows ahead, we all carry our own truths.

Political knowledge is like a to-do list for states, while understanding tries to grasp why one state refuses to sign that list while another threw it away long ago. It’s as if all politicians are in the same international sauna, they know it’s hot, but only those who understand how to move through the steaming chaos will eventually sign the next major agreement.

Knowledge about geopolitical developments, international relations, economic trends, and cultural dynamics is essential for global decision-making. It’s not just a tool, but a strategic asset that can determine the success or failure of states and institutions. Access to accurate and comprehensive knowledge can mean the difference between peace and conflict, cooperation and isolation, or progress and stagnation.

As the saying goes “knowledge is power”, states or organizations with precise and comprehensive information can negotiate more effectively. Intelligence or economic data offers strategic advantages. Diplomatic negotiations require deep understanding of partners’ positions, interests, and weaknesses. Knowledge of cultural and historical contexts helps prevent misunderstandings and build trust. Early-warning systems rely on collecting and analyzing data about potential conflicts or crises in real time.

Knowledge helps prevent escalation by prompting timely responses, diplomatic missions, economic aid, or political appeals.

Of course, if fools take the helm, like currently in the U.S., the whole ship begins to rock. When relations between states become unpredictable and traditional diplomacy reaches its limits, preventive diplomacy, mediation, and international early-warning systems become essential to maintaining peace and stability. They aim to spot risks early, defuse tensions, and avert escalation before crisis or conflict. Preventive diplomacy intervenes before escalation through early dialogues, confidence-building measures, and cooperation. Mediation facilitates structured, often informal dialogues led by neutral third parties to extract common interests.

Success depends on mediator credibility and acceptance.

Early-warning systems monitor political, economic, and social tensions in real time, equipping decision-makers not only with signs of acute threats but also with the groundwork for proactive interventions, whether diplomatic, economic or political.

Economic, ecological, and social issues are increasingly interlinked. Understanding these complexities requires both general and, if you’re involved, specialized knowledge.

Technological expertise is growing in importance, especially in cyber security, AI, and weapons tech. States should invest in R&D to strengthen their position in international politics. But first, they need understanding of the interconnections. Leadership increasingly requires interdisciplinary expertise and broad awareness at the interface of technology, society, and environment. That allows participating in global developments and adapting to rapidly shifting geopolitical and technological realities.

In democracies, knowledge of public opinion and social trends is essential because governments must legitimize foreign-policy decisions to their people. Transparency and access to information bolster institutional credibility. Knowledge enables states and organizations to identify shared interests and form effective alliances. Science and research contribute to solving global problems, through sharing data and expertise during health crises.

Provocation has a different effect in sensitive or emotionally charged contexts and can cause misunderstandings. In international negotiations, a provocation can sometimes be used to strengthen one’s position by drawing attention or provoking a reaction favorable to one’s aims. In some cases, provocative statements serve as a catalyst that brings critical dialogue toward conflict resolution.

For this reason, military exercises or weapons tests are often used to strengthen national security. But one must also be aware that such provocations can easily trigger escalation. In some cases, it’s wise to hold informal behind-the-scenes talks to prevent escalation without public provocation inflaming the situation. By forming stronger political and economic alliances, state clusters build networks based on collective security, dissuading provocative behavior through political and economic isolation.

A deeper understanding of international conflicts, such as those in the Middle East, requires grasping the complexity and many layers of the situation, not just knowing the surface facts. It means delving into the history, culture, interests, and power dynamics that shape everything involved. Simply stating, “there is war in the Middle East”, overlooks the true depth of the situation. Knowing that the conflict exists is only the beginning of understanding. True comprehension goes far beyond that, encompassing historical contexts, religious tensions, economic factors, natural resources, and geopolitical power shifts. 1) Most conflicts did not arise overnight. They are the result of centuries of historical processes, from the emergence of religious tensions to the legacy of colonialism. The borders drawn by colonial powers in the 20th century often separated or mixed ethnic and religious groups in ways that have repeatedly led to tensions.

A deep understanding of these historical roots explains why certain conflicts remain so entrenched. Religion plays a special role in the Middle East, not only as personal faith but as a driving force behind political movements and conflicts. The Sunni-Shia divide, which has developed over centuries, is a prime example of how religious differences have left deep marks. Knowing about this divide is one thing, but understanding how these religious distinctions are exploited in political power struggles and geopolitical strategies is crucial.

The Middle East’s oil wealth is a classic example of the “resource curse,” where natural resources do not automatically lead to lasting prosperity. The key lies in sustainable management, economic diversification, and responsible governance. The region’s vast oil reserves have been both a blessing and a curse.

States and companies worldwide have vested interests in controlling these power dynamics, leading to international tensions and often military interventions. Those who only know that oil exists see the issue purely economically. Those who understand that oil became a geopolitical bargaining chip, influencing great powers’ interests, recognize why the conflict in this region has such a wide-reaching impact.

The political balance of power in the Middle East is ultimately shaped by global power shifts.The Cold War, Western support for certain dictators, and Iran’s role as a regional agitator are all parts of a much larger geopolitical game. Mere knowledge about these countries is not enough; one must also understand how their international alliances, rival interests, and geopolitical ambitions exacerbate regional tensions.

Only when all these aspects are brought together can one gain a clearer picture of why the conflicts in the Middle East are so complex and so long-lasting. This comprehensive understanding is essential to finding solutions that don’t just address surface symptoms but tackle the deeper causes and needs of the involved parties.

The topic of interests will continue to arise in the future.They inevitably belong to the classificationof international relations.

They significantly influence decision-making and actions on a global level. Ultimately, all conflicts are primarily conflicts of interest. Interests are like the invisible driving force of states, composed of a mix of wanting, needing, and “Who has what I want?” Naturally, the utopia of a world free of interests is only a playful thought experiment. Because interests are at the core of every political decision. They are the invisible hand that steers the international game. Without them, international relations would either be a chaotic mess of random conversations leading nowhere or, even worse, an endless wait for the next global consensus that would never come because every nation has its own agenda. Without interests, we would probably be stuck in complete stagnation or endless meaningless chatter. The irony of international politics is that without real interests, we would never move forward, but maybe also never experience the joyful peace so many dream of. Yet, as long as the world has interests, it will keep moving, and that’s a good thing.

So while we dream of a world where peace is a given, the bargaining over power and influence at least ensures that we don’t sink into stagnation. Maybe that’s the price we have to pay to not only talk but also act in this game. Joyful peace is beautiful, but as long as interests revolve around us, peace remains a fragile balance on the tightrope of international relations.

But what exactly are interests? Ideologies reflect interests in a deeper sense. They offer a visionary perspective on the world and derive actions from it that often align with the attitudes of a particular group or society. Worldviews also contain deeply rooted beliefs about what is important in life and guide decisions and actions in a certain direction. Convictions and values are not just theoretical concepts but are actively pursued and reflect the goals and aspirations of a society. Perceptions themselves are not interests per se but set the priorities.

Economic interests could be discussed at length in great detail.

They are not only goals in themselves but also means to assert geopolitical ambitions and secure influence in a changing world order. This connects to technological developments, which are not only fields of science and innovation but also fundamental tools in shaping the global order. World powers use scientific and technological research to pursue their geopolitical goals, secure economic dominance, and strengthen their military and political power. Research thus becomes a crucial element in shaping the global order, used strategically to enforce interests and claims to power.

Yet above all interests stands the preservation of security, which should not be treated in isolation. What is more important than living freely, neither being overrun by foreign military forces nor being cyber-monitored by a surveillance state? Only once these issues are resolved can the monetary and social welfare benefits of progress be addressed. A society plagued by war and surveillance cannot easily achieve economic progress. Innovation and social reforms only thrive in a stable environment where citizens feel safe to express their opinions, realize their ideas, and engage economically. As long as these basic conditions are not met, progress stalls, there is no growing economy, no technological advancement, and no societal development.

Security is primarily a matter of defense and the military, but beyond that, it is an integral part of all political, economic, social, and ecological processes that influence global well-being. The tension between ethics and power politics remains an inherent part of international relations. The challenge is to find a path that considers both ethical principles and the realities of power politics to create a stable and just world order.

In a world without security interests, there can be no progress.

That kind of world becomes a utopian bubble that the powerful never truly enter, because anyone who does quickly realizes that an ideal world order remains nothing more than a paradigm of paper-tiger politics, never becoming reality. So what happens when security isn't a priority? A massive security gap emerges, turning the world into a dangerous playground for all nations.

Conflicts don’t just become inevitable, they turn into economic opportunities for those dealing behind the scenes.

And what remains? A confusing world of well-meaning but completely clueless states patting each other on the back while tensions boil over and invisible dangers lurk. An international system without security is like cultivating a giant exotic flower, only to discover that it’s actually poisonous,beautiful to look at, but its pollen stings the eyes of those who weren't properly prepared. It’s seductive, it’s impressive, but it brings danger, instability, and collapse the moment you get too close.

When political actors only have surface-level knowledge of conflicts, it’s like looking at a map and only seeing the drawn borders, without understanding the real geographical and cultural features that shaped those lines. But when leaders strive for real understanding, they begin to see that every line, every conflict, and every decision holds meaningful history and complex dynamics. That is the key to finding effective, sustainable solutions.

But how many decision-makers truly grasp the full interconnections of the issues at hand? It’s like a recipe: you might know all the ingredients, but the secret lies in how it's prepared. The problem is, many actors just throw everything in a pot, assume they know how to cook, and end up burning their fingers. What’s missing is not just creativity but also the courage for political innovation, because innovation in politics is too often seen as “too risky” or “hard to sell.” But without creativity and innovation, nothing new ever happens. It's like pulling the same knot tighter every time and wondering why it won’t come undone. Instead of always pulling out the same old strategies, diplomacy by pressure, sanctions, drone strikes, or endless peace talks going nowhere, why not bring a few original ideas to the table for once? 2) Take the failed efforts of the U.S. in the 2003 Iraq War. The U.S.

knew Saddam Hussein was a bad guy and figured it was time to wipe out his regime. But after his fall came the surprise: the country turned into a chaotic pile of Tetris blocks no one could piece back together. The key to success would have been a deeper understanding that Iraq isn't just some playing field where you can quickly plant democracy. But who needs deep insights into culture and history when the oil is right there?

Or take a look at the Arab Spring! The West assumed you could simply toss a few authoritarian regimes out the window and voilà! democracy! Almost like a makeover on pile of broken glass. But hey, at least they launched the right hashtag campaign. History keeps teaching us -knowledge is good, but understanding is better. Understanding is like the often-forgotten cousin of political diplomacy. And when we finally try it, we realize we misplayed the whole hand, and end up saying: "Who would’ve thought?" International politics is shaped by the cultural and ideological differences between states. A diplomat doesn’t just need to know that two countries have different political systems, they need to understand how those systems shape behavior and national interests. Knowing a country’s political structure is important, but understanding why a state makes certain decisions based on its identity, history, or long-term goals is crucial for successful diplomacy. Countries respond to changes in international politics not only for rational or material reasons, but also because of emotional, ideological, or security-related factors. Understanding these dynamics is key to predicting state behavior, and to grasping how short-term conflicts can affect long-term strategic alliances.

In modern political science, political structures can be seen as networks, a large system of nodes, actors, institutions, ideas, and the relationships between them. Similar to economics, where raw materials are processed into products, political knowledge is generated by gathering, organizing, and connecting facts. A network-based approach helps us think strategically by identifying which actors or links are most critical. But it’s not just about structure,it’s also about dynamics, how crises and opportunities evolve within that network. This kind of understanding helps us analyze and build more resilient political systems.

Freeing oneself from manipulative influences is difficult. Self-criticism and reflection are essential, but they’re not enough on their own. Often, it helps to seek out external perspectives, consult independent sources, and engage in dialogue with others.

That way, we can better recognize our own biases and make more informed decisions. The antidote to manipulation, the ability to question oneself and integrate independent perspectives, isn’t developed solely from within, but through exchange and confrontation with the outside world. It’s almost like we’re too good at deceiving ourselves, only to realize we need someone else to finally tell us the truth. Here's to that wonderful contradiction.

We fight our own illusions while still needing someone else to hold up the mirror.

The positive falsification of mathematics lies not in mathematics itself, but rather in the illusion that it reflects absolute truth or immutable reality, regardless of the context of its axioms or assumptions. Mathematics is, in essence, a consistent system of symbols, definitions, and derivations, but the fake begins where we take it to be a universal depiction of reality. Its statements are always relative to a chosen axiomatic system. Thus, mathematics is a human construct, and its connection to reality is always mediated, never absolute.

The fake, then, lies in the human belief that mathematics expresses the one objective truth about the world. In reality, it is a formal system derived from self-chosen axioms. Even the purest and most logically coherent mathematics has limits, and these limits run deeper than many, even mathematicians, are initially willing to admit. Science is not a system of absolute truths, but a method of erring with increasing precision. This is not its weakness, but its greatest strength, because it remains open to the new, the surprising, the better.

In human knowledge, there is no absolute certainty, only gradual confidence within particular systems. This was explored by Kurt Gödel, one of the most important logicians and mathematicians of the 20th century. The only certainty lies within the definitions and axioms themselves, but not in their validity beyond the system.

There is not only "true" and "false" in every meaningful logical system, there exist statements that can neither be proven nor disproven within that system.

And this is one of the great consolations of being human, that we may come to understand no system, no formula, no theory can ever fully capture the whole. It is precisely within this space that freedom resides, that we move among models, use them, question them, and at the same time recognize that beyond them lies room for experience, interpretation, and wonder. In every sufficiently complex system, there are truths that lie beyond its reach. Freedom is not found in complete arbitrariness, but in the agility of thought, in the awareness of the provisional, in the open play with possibilities, in the questioning of what is given. This freedom is not a failure in the pursuit of truth, it is the very condition for it.

In physics and the empirical sciences, there is never absolute certainty, only probabilities, models, and theories that have not yet been falsified. This brings us close to Karl Popper’s theory of falsifiability. Our theories are always approximations. Physical theories are models of reality. They describe how phenomena behave, not what they truly are. They have domains of validity.

Classical mechanics works well for slow-moving objects, but fails at light speed, as explained by relativity theory, or at microscopic scales, as quantum mechanics shows.

So the absolute is a boundary-idea, one that exceeds our capacity to fully comprehend. It cannot be completely conceived or proven, it is more of a regulative ideal in our striving for wholeness and truth. Mathematics gives us tools for clarity, but not for absolute truth. The certainty we seek is a human construction. The absolute lies beyond what is provable.

1) EUROPE'S HOPE ALLIANCES ISBN 9783819296000

2) Chapter 9, Politics @ Global World. Intl 2024 ISBN 9783759706041

2. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHILOSOPHY AND INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

Once again, we turn to the tools of philosophy, particularly in the realm of international relations. Philosophy is more than an academic pursuit, it is a practical discipline that helps us better understand and address the moral, logical, and pragmatic aspects of global challenges. However, there is a distinction between substantive philosophical approaches and mere intellectual self-indulgence. In fact, there is a danger that philosophy in these fields becomes a rhetorical accessory that fails to engage with the real challenges at hand. Philosophical thinking must be tested against the reality of economic and political systems.

When marketing managers in companies attempt to engage with philosophical challenges, they no longer address customers merely as consumers but as autonomous moral agents. The traditional business world is accustomed to focusing on sales figures, market analysis, and advertising strategies. Philosophical themes such as corporate responsibility are unfamiliar or uncomfortable for many marketing professionals, because they traditionally see marketing as a purely sales-driven discipline.

There is a fear that higher-level considerations could hinder business interests. Many are not even prepared to view marketing as a value-based communication tool. As a result, the traditional marketing audience initially responds with confused silence, often leaving the room because they are either surprised or irritated, or they reject this new perspective.

Similarly, the first reactions in the political spectrum are often skeptical or dismissive when it comes to expanding established structures and ways of thinking through a value-based perspective. This means that decisions must be made not only from the perspective of short-term gains but with consideration for social responsibility and the long-term prosperity of future generations. This is where tensions arise. It is almost curious how modern philosophers believe they can improve the world with their high-sounding concepts without really understanding that realpolitik is essentially about short-term pragmatism. Those who perform theatrically in political talk shows should quickly retreat back to their ivory towers.

The accusation of limited fantasy is aimed at the excessive worldliness of some philosophical approaches. Effective philosophy is characterized by its ability to communicate clearly and engage with non-philosophical disciplines to deliver practical value. The collision between a value-based approach and the real interests of political and economic actors presents a central problem. Values sit at the top of the political agenda, right above good intentions and just below photogenic press conferences.

There are frequent promises to uphold human rights, democracy and sustainability. However, as soon as things get serious and a trading partner happens to possess oil, rare earths, or simply vast sums of money, the values agenda suddenly becomes remarkably flexible. This is where the true diplomatic skill comes into play, maintaining principles without jeopardizing trade relationships.

In the business world, values are also emphasized, at least as long as they can be neatly packaged into the Corporate Social Responsibility CSR- report. The rest is conveniently categorized as "necessary market adjustment" or "strategic partnership."

Morality becomes just another business model with a variable rate. Values reflect an attitude, but interests shift. And somehow, it all works surprisingly smoothly, as long as you don’t look too closely.

In many systems focused on short-term objectives, such as profit maximization or performance maintenance, the transition to longterm ethically oriented decisions, is not not only difficult, but also involves considerable risks. Political decision-makers, heavily reliant on fast results, are reluctant to establish values like sustainability, social justice, or human rights as driving forces, as these are often associated with higher costs, longer investment cycles, and greater uncertainty.

Philosophies in business or political contexts focus on analyzing real problems and providing solutions. This means addressing moral dilemmas, long-term goals, or systemic challenges with clear, logical, and ethical arguments, rather than engaging in abstract thought experiments. The key difference lies in whether philosophy is a tool for practice or a space for fundamental reflection and questioning. Both have their value, and there are differing views on what the primary purpose of practical philosophy should be.

When it comes to philosophy, some people frown. What does it have to do with real issues like the climate crisis, AI-ethics, or global inequality? Here lies the core tension, whether practical philosophy serves as a toolbox for moral orientation or a funhouse mirror for abstract thinking. Amid political short-termism and economic interests, the demand for clear, logical, ethical argumentation remains. Yet, this is the true promise of practical philosophy, not to manage moral dilemmas but to uncover them, not to soften them but to analyze them precisely, not to avoid them but to clarify why a particular action is right, wrong, or at least problematic, and for whom. However, philosophy thrives on depth, doubt, and questioning the seemingly self-evident foundations. Those in search of quick fixes will quickly grow bored or frustrated, because moral philosophy cannot be squeezed into action plans like a user manual.

In the differentiation between philosophy as a tool for application and philosophy as a space for reflection, the former aims to support decisions, while the latter seeks to examine the very foundations of those decisions. One seeks to offer ethical guidelines, while the other asks what ethics really means and whether we even understand what we are talking about. Both sides, of course, have their value. The mistake lies not in their intentions, but in attempting to pit one against the other.

Especially in a world that simultaneously craves orientation and suffers from complexity, we need both: the thoughtful doubt and the reflective action. To reduce philosophy to one of these sides is to misunderstand its strength. For good philosophy is neither world-weary nor omniscient. It is uncomfortable, precise, and, at its best, necessary.

In this context, it is unwise for so-called pragmatists to claim that visions belong in psychiatry. Dismissing visions as unrealistic or psychologically suspect carries the risk that political actors will act with shortsightedness. Those who only respond to immediate problems neglect long-term development. The greatest political failures often result from a lack of visionary perspectives. Vision does not necessarily mean naive daydreaming, rather, it provides guiding ideals that can inspire political strategies and goals. After all, one might also ask, if a politician lacks vision, should he be sent to the ophthalmologist to at least have a better view of the near future.

Dismissal of visions as a sign of psychological irregularity suggests that one is already suffering from the mental burnout of reacting to chaos. This approach resembles that of a firefighter who extinguishes every spark, just to avoid illuminating the world, because who wants to see how far the path truly goes? The danger of ruling without vision, therefore, lies not only in shortsightedness but also in the fallacy that a country can suddenly stumble backward, believing it is, in fact, moving forward. This shows that vision is less of a luxury and more of a necessity, even if it sometimes appears a bit crazy.

Sir Karl Popper, one of the most influential philosophers of the modern era, repeatedly emphasized that societal progress is achieved through critical thinking and the gradual improvement of existing systems. He argued that great societal goals can only be achieved if visions are translated into verifiable and adaptable strategies. His concept of critical rationalism teaches that visions are essential to setting direction, but they must continually be scrutinized for their practicality and feasibility. In applied fields like business, management, or politics, philosophy is unfortunately at risk of slipping into meaningless or overly abstract speculation.

However, there are numerous ways in which philosophy can concretely and substantively contribute to these fields without drifting into pure theoretical abstraction. Popper warned that visions not accompanied by critical thinking carry the risk of totalitarianism or impracticality. History shows that ideological visions pursued without reflection and adjustment lead to suffering and destruction. Therefore, it is crucial to embed visions in a rational and strategic framework.

In business or politics, philosophy should not appear as a moralistic prejudice, but rather as a tool to analyze ethical tensions and evaluate possible courses of action. It is essential that philosophers remain aware of their own perspectives and avoid falling into missionary arrogance. Their role should be to provide reflective instruments that better structure actions, strategies, and goals. However, they should never attempt to pretend to possess competencies they do not have.

Philosophical considerations must, like other theoretical approaches, be practically verifiable. Managers, entrepreneurs, or politicians would hardly benefit from abstract or vague ideas.

Philosophical work in these fields should distinguish itself through its utility. What does sustainability mean in the corporate context? How can ethical decisions align with strategic goals?

What values underpin economic actions in times of crisis?

The term "functional life" in the philosophical sense refers to the understanding and practice of life from a perspective oriented towards purpose, efficiency and the fulfillment of certain functions. In this context, life is not only viewed as biological existence but as a conscious, goal-directed activity aimed at certain values, tasks, and social roles. As a functional whole, life encompasses aspects such as work, relationships, personal goals, and societal responsibilities. These aspects, aligned with one another, form a harmonious, functioning whole.

We all know the charming idea of life as a functional whole. A harmonious interplay of work, relationships, goals, and the good old societal conscience, like an orchestra where every part is perfectly tuned to the others. In practice, however, it often sounds more like a recorder ensemble meeting traffic noise in the middle of an ongoing construction project.

A deeper philosophical meaning of functional life might address existential questions. Here, various perspectives come into play, along with the realization that even reason is highly susceptible to error. One need only glance at existentialist viewpoints.

Philosophers love the concept of functional life because it serves as the perfect excuse to think about life without actually living it.

Imagine Aristotle, explaining over an espresso that the goal of life is eudaimonia, while Kant, squinting, insists that one acts morally by adhering to the categorical imperative. Meanwhile, Nietzsche sits sulkily in the corner, grinning devilishly and muttering, "God is dead, but this cappuccino is functional."

3. THE INTEGRATION OF PSYCHOLOGY INTO PHILOSOPHY

For the psychologist, nothing is as functional as a good dose of self-optimization. "How do you feel?" asks the therapist.

"Functional", replies the patient, checking emotional intelligence off his list. In ethics, functional living means finding a balance between selfishness and altruism. Tell your neighbor with a smile not to put his garbage bin on your site - that would be a practical ethical advancement. Functional life is the attempt to bring the disorder of existence into a system. It's like using a metaphysical vacuum cleaner to suck up the crumbs of chaos and hope that everything will somehow fit together at the end of the day. Will it work? Who knows.

Functional living can be seen as an interdisciplinary concept that integrates elements of philosophy, psychology, sociology, ethics, and religion to understand how people shape their existence and what meaning they attach to it. In many philosophical traditions, the meaning of life is seen as something that goes beyond individual well-being. In practical terms, it involves creating connections with others, having a positive influence on the community, and being part of a greater whole. This can happen through various avenues, whether through personal relationships, creative expressions, pursuing passions, or engaging in social and ecological causes.

The search for meaning, therefore, can have both a personal and collective dimension. Ultimately, the realization that we are part of a larger whole helps us find our place in the world and live a fulfilled life.The meaning of life, the eternal mystery that concerns us all, continually leads to the questions: Who are we? Why are we here? The answers to these questions are as varied as the number of horoscopes that bombard us daily from social media. But let's be honest, the search for meaning is not only a personal quest, but also a collective one, something that propels us forward as a species, or at least keeps us busy.

The eternal quest for the meaning of life is a topic as old as humanity itself and as exciting as the latest social media horoscopes that get thrown our way. Who are we? Perhaps a mix of malfunctioning robots trying to understand their existence by scrolling through countless cat videos. Why are we here, to check off our daily to-do lists, conquer the universe, or simply find the perfect selfie filter? On one hand, we have the individual dimension, considered the bestseller of human existence. Each of us strives for self-actualization, clarity, and inner peace, which is about as achievable as trying to heat a sandwich in the microwave without the cheese exploding.But we're not alone on this journey. The collective, or as philosophers like to call it, society, plays a crucial role.

After all, how could we know if we're leading a fulfilling life if we're not constantly comparing it to the experiences and Twitter-posts of others?

And this is where it gets interesting. The vast community, the countless faces we encounter every day, some of whom we may never truly get to know, but still somehow feel connected to, because they shop at the same supermarket checkout as us, is the real catalyst for our search for meaning. Maybe it's this that leads to the realization that we're not just isolated individuals, but part of a huge, chaotic, but somehow functioning system. There are the ancient philosophers, who admonish us with profound wisdom: "You are not just you, you are also the one you are for others." That sounds like a powerful insight, especially when you catch yourself blocking someone else's car in a public parking lot.

What is the meaning of life? Well, in a world where we constantly oscillate between "Find your dream job!" and "Get yourself a yoga subscription," one could almost believe that the true meaning lies in the art of finding the right filter on Instagram. But perhaps the answer lies in the realization that, whether we want it or not, we are part of something much larger. A world where we care for ourselves, but also for the next Netflix update, and the weather that will undoubtedly ruin our next hike.

And then comes the moment of enlightenment, the realization that our journey, as tangled and chaotic as it may be, is part of a grand plan, whether it's the plan of the universe or the plan to create the perfect playlist for the weekend trip. Whatever it is, we don’t need to understand everything to feel fulfilled.

Sometimes, it's enough to know that we’re not alone on this strange, wonderful, crowded planet. After all, who wants to be the only person in the world sitting with half a bag of chips in front of the TV, wondering whether life actually has any meaning?

Beyond this horizon lies the recognition structures of monotheistic religions. They are based on an understanding of space and time that goes beyond the purely physical, but also touches on how we experience the world. They examine how we perceive the world and what meaning this perception holds for our lives and existence. This perspective is expanded by opening a view into new, transcendent dimensions. Space is not just a physical place, but also a symbolic cosmos. Similarly, time is not only seen as a linear sequence of moments, but as a connection between the present and infinity. Thought practices build a bridge between the world we can experience and an intangible reality beyond the limitations of space and time. This allows people to see their existence in a larger, transcendent context and find meaning and hope in their lives.

In this approach, functional living also refers to how people align their existence to achieve specific goals or serve a particular purpose. This can include both material and immaterial goals, such as career, personal development, or the pursuit of happiness. On a global level, this thought reflects how societies and political systems are organized to fulfill collective purposes and work toward common goals. Political systems directly influence how individuals can realize their goals, through education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and social and collective security. At the same time, they set the course for how individual happiness and collective wellbeing can be aligned.

The pursuit of a functional life requires ethical decisions that consider the consequences of political actions. Global challenges such as climate change, migration, and inequality demand a politics that is not only practical but also sustainable and just. In a globalized world, the ideas of a successful life vary greatly depending on cultural and social contexts. Politics must respect these differences while still promoting universal values such as freedom, dignity, and justice. Viewed through this lens, the idea of functional living provides a useful framework for understanding how political decisions not only shape systems but also create conditions for a meaningful and fulfilling life for individuals worldwide.

Religion has a kind of ethical compass that defines what is considered good or right behavior. And this is where responsibility comes into play. Believers are not only supposed to act morally for themselves but also for others and for all of creation. In a metaphorical sense, ethics is like a navigation system for moral decisions. Its job is to figure out what the highest ethical good is and how the common good can be defined.

The concept of balancing goods is the key. It helps weigh different values against each other and make an ethically justifiable decision. It's not about finding a simple right-or-wrong answer, but about crafting a solution that is morally acceptable, even when different interests compete. How can we make decisions that are both ethically grounded and practically feasible? But what happens when these ethical guidelines are ignored?

High-tech and technological innovations in some ways cloud our view of fundamental existential questions. The danger here is that we move further and further away from fundamental human needs and challenges. These not only involve material progress but also the spiritual and ethical dimensions of life.

The question "What helps humanity?" leads to the consideration of how technology can be embedded in a broader context that sees humans not just as users but as beings embedded in a universal order. It’s not only about efficiency or progress in the narrow sense, but about how societies and individuals can still find values in this fast-paced world that go beyond the merely practical.

The idea that humans are highly limited beings, points to the need to acknowledge these limitations and grow from them.

Perhaps this is the key point. It’s not only about overcoming boundaries, but also about dealing with this finiteness in a way that makes life valuable. When humanity will cast off the anchor remains an open question. Maybe this realization needs to be carried by a collective consciousness that evolves from a broader perspective on life and the world. This development could happen both through technological breakthroughs and through deeper spiritual and philosophical reflection.

Ethical principles are not an end in themselves, but a foundation for a just and stable coexistence. Those who consciously engage with moral questions and make responsible decisions contribute to making societies just, sustainable, and livable. If ethical guidelines are ignored, the consequences can be far-reaching and harmful, for individuals, communities, and the entire world.

The concept of "functional living" is "fake-threatened" because it exists in a world where perception, truth, and meaning are constantly distorted by technological manipulation, social pressure, and commercial interests. The portrayal of a fulfilling life is often overshadowed by a superficial and distorted reality that is prevalent in social media, advertising, and political discourse. The true challenge lies in making authentic and ethically responsible decisions without being overwhelmed by the many "fake" narratives and oversimplified solutions. By critically engaging with these narratives, we can start to understand that a meaningful life isn't one that fits neatly into a one-size-fits-all mold. Instead, it's about finding balance, making thoughtful decisions, and being willing to accept the imperfections that come with being human.

The key lies in discerning truth from distortion and making choices that align with one's genuine values, rather than falling for the fake versions of fulfillment that are so prevalent in modern media and culture.

4. WHEN EVERYTHING BECOMES SECONDARY

In both politics and business, short-term gains are often achieved through unethical behavior such as fraud, deception, or aggressive attacks. The crucial question is whether and how long such a model can remain viable. Fraud is a time-tested tool in the repertoire of success gurus. After all, what’s better than inflating your own numbers and building a shiny façade? Of course, the ground can eventually crumble beneath your feet, but as long as the glittering world remains, everything seems perfectly fine. Who needs sustainable solutions when short-term profits can be reaped instead?

What’s better, selling an audience what it wants to hear or offering them what they need, even if they don't yet know they’re looking for it? Political speeches and business plans are the perfect opportunity to shine with just a hint of misdirection. If done skillfully, you can stretch the truth just enough so that it almost looks like a lie, but not quite. Promising high profits, rising stock prices, and solutions for everything without ever really diving deep. It’s the art of selling grand visions while conveniently ignoring small details like the environmental impact, social consequences, or long-term sustainability. Sure, everyone knows that this will eventually need to be addressed by someone, but that's a problem for future generations!