Irene Doura Kavadia

Carl Sagan: The Visionary of Science and Cosmic Thought

Leave a Comment / Articles / By Irene Doura Kavadia

Carl Sagan (1934–1996) was undeniably one of the most significant scientists and thinkers of the 20th century. An astronomer, astrophysicist, cosmologist, and author, he dedicated his life to promoting science and advancing critical thinking, inspiring millions of people to gaze at the stars with awe yet seek truth through logic and scientific inquiry.

Sagan, a pioneering researcher in astrobiology and the study of planetary systems, played a key role in the development of NASA missions, such as the Voyager program, which carried the famous “Golden Record”—a collection of human expressions meant for extraterrestrial civilizations. He studied the atmospheres of Venus and Mars, introduced the concept of the “greenhouse effect,” and highlighted the possibility of life beyond Earth.

Sagan believed that science should not be confined to academic circles but rather be accessible to everyone. His book Cosmos (1980) became an international bestseller and was adapted into a television series of the same name, which captivated audiences of all ages worldwide for decades. Even today, this series remains one of the most iconic, making scientific concepts understandable to the general public. His work Pale Blue Dot (1994) serves as a poignant reminder of our place in the universe, our humility and also greatness, as well as our responsibility to protect our unique planet.

Beyond being a brilliant scientist, Sagan was also a staunch advocate for peace, environmental protection, and human rights. He defended rationalism against superstition and warned against the dangers of pseudoscience and public manipulation. His deep concern for humanity’s future is reflected in his book The Demon-Haunted World (1995), where he cautioned against the potential decline of critical thinking in society.

Carl Sagan left us in 1996, leaving behind an invaluable legacy. His impact continues to inspire new generations of scientists, thinkers, and intellectuals. His legacy is not only in his scientific discoveries but also in his passion for truth, knowledge, and understanding the universe.

As he famously wrote:
“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.”

Carl Sagan’s Prophecy

The words of Carl Sagan ring as true today as they did thirty years ago when he wrote them shortly before his passing:

“I have a foreboding of an America in my children’s or grandchildren’s time—when the United States is a service and information economy; when nearly all manufacturing industries have slipped away to other countries; when awesome technological powers are in the hands of a very few, and no one representing the public interest can even grasp the issues; when people have lost the ability to set their own agendas or question those in authority; when, clutching our crystals and nervously consulting our horoscopes, our critical faculties in decline, unable to distinguish what feels good from what is true, we slide, almost without noticing, back into superstition and darkness…”

As humanity advances through an era of extreme technological evolution and globalization, Carl Sagan’s words are more relevant than ever. Three decades ago, the distinguished astronomer and thinker warned of a world where technological power is concentrated in the hands of a few while critical thinking and scientific logic fade in favor of mass conformity. Today, his predictions do not only apply to America but to the entire planet, which functions as a “global village.”

Sagan clearly foresaw the shift of manufacturing to other countries, a phenomenon that now affects the whole world. Economic dependence on multinational corporations and tech giants has created inequalities and a loss of control over local economies. Nations no longer maintain self-sufficiency in production and rely on decisions made by a few major companies.

His concerns about the concentration of technological power have also been fully validated. Today, global giants like Google, Meta, Tencent, and Alibaba control the flow of information and data worldwide. Technological knowledge and resources are held by a select few, while governments struggle to impose regulations to protect public interests.

Sagan warned that society would lose its ability to question authority and hold those in power accountable, leading to the erosion of critical thinking. This prediction extends far beyond the United States. Misinformation, conspiracy theories, and a lack of education in critical reasoning have created a global society that blindly consumes and absorbs information without processing it. People often choose to believe what “feels right” rather than seeking truth.

One of the most alarming phenomena is the resurgence of superstition and the rise of pseudoscience. From conspiracy theories that touch on every aspect of daily life, we see a growing trend of returning to pre-scientific beliefs and doctrines. These ideas, wrapped in an aura of mystery that disguises their lack of evidence, spread faster than ever through social media, creating a new form of obscurantism.

The loss of critical thinking and the concentration of power in the hands of a few have weakened democracy. In many countries, citizens’ frustration with the political system has led to the rise of authoritarian regimes that control information and restrict freedoms. Democracy remains fragile and requires continuous support through education and the promotion of scientific thought.

A Global Challenge Ahead

Overall, Sagan’s work serves as a warning about the dangers of scientific ignorance and the retreat from critical thinking. It underscores the importance of education and awareness in maintaining a healthy and progressive society.

While Sagan used America as an example, his warning is directed at all of humanity. Our world stands at a critical crossroads. Will we continue to promote science, education, and critical thinking, or will we regress into an era dominated by superstition and ignorance?

How we manage technology, information, and science will determine whether we move toward a brighter future or slide backward—into a modern and far more destructive age of “superstition and darkness.” A new kind of witch hunt with disastrous consequences for all humanity.

This choice—to embrace light over darkness—is a collective one, and the future of humanity depends on it, as we all also highlight at Writers Capital International Foundation. Fortunately, true leaders are still here and it is our duty to embrace their vision; one of them, undeniably being the Founder and President of WCIF, Prof. Preeth Padmanabhan Nambiar, poet, educationist and ardent humanitarian, whose vision of one world and the Heritage Village “ Lovedale”[1] resonate deep within a lot of people across the world.

The question is: Will we heed his warning in time?

Sources

Carl Sagan’s prophetic statement comes from his book The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark, published in 1995.

Sagan highlights the paradox of a society increasingly dependent on science and technology while its citizens lack an understanding of these fields. He warns that this situation is a “recipe for disaster,” as the combination of ignorance and power can lead to severe consequences.

Additionally, Sagan expresses concern about the decline in the quality of media content, the lack of meaningful information, and the spread of superstition and pseudoscience. These observations emphasize the need to promote critical thinking and scientific literacy in society.

Bibliographical References

The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark (1995)
Pale Blue Dot: A Vision of the Human Future in Space (1994)
Cosmos (1980)

About the Author: Irene Doura-Kavadia

Linguist specializing in Contrastive and Computational Linguistics (MA/MSc), author, and translator. Founder and CEO of the Academy of Languages, Translation & Informatics, Secretary-General of the Writers Capital International Foundation (under the UN Civil Society umbrella), and Editor-in-Chief of Writers’ International Edition. Board Member of the World Philosophical Forum (Greece), Language & Global Communication Ambassador at Who is Who International Academy & Awards, Executive Member of Women Leaders, Founder of the Women’s Network for Cooperation and Support, and Member of multiple international literary, educational, and linguistic committees. She also serves as a Jury Member and Director for foreign authors in literary competitions at Accademia Tiberina, Rome, an Executive Member of Cattedra delle Donne (under the UN auspices), and a Jury Member for the Sergio Camellini International Excellence Award in Modena, Italy. Additionally, she is a journalist at Crown Legacy in Asia, llenic Mdia Group, Greece and an Education Advisor for the Municipality of Palaio Faliro, Athens.

[1] For information on the Lovedale read here : https://www.writersedition.com/?s=Lovedale

The Contribution of Classical and Practical Philosophy to the Development of Global Responsibility in Relation to the Challenges of Rapid Scientific and Technological Advancement and Their Impact on Society

Leave a Comment / Academic Papers / By Irene Doura Kavadia

Introduction

The concept of global responsibility has become central to the discourse surrounding the resolution of major issues facing humanity. As the social fabric and various societies become increasingly interconnected, the moral obligation for collective action extends beyond the narrow boundaries of a nation-state. Classical philosophy, with its timeless teachings, and practical philosophy, which focuses on applied ethics to address modern dilemmas, offer powerful tools for cultivating a strong sense of global responsibility.

It is clear that contemporary societies face unprecedented challenges that demand responsibility and global cooperation. Issues such as the need for planetary sustainability, inequalities (including those exacerbated by technological advancements), and social disparities come to the forefront.

In this context, the contribution of both classical and practical philosophy is vital for understanding global responsibility and shaping ethical guidelines. This presentation aims to examine how classical and practical philosophy can contribute to the development of this sense of responsibility, focusing on their relationship with the rapid development of science and technology, which affects the entire social fabric on a global scale.

Classical Philosophy and Global Responsibility

Classical philosophy, beginning with the teachings of ancient Greek philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, lays the foundation for the development of moral virtues and the cultivation of “eudaimonia” (well-being). The idea of collective responsibility and solidarity formed the basis for ethical philosophy and the sense of duty towards the community. Socrates, through his dialectic method, emphasized the importance of personal responsibility for the improvement of society. The classical notion of “virtue” is directly linked to the idea of responsibility, as virtuous citizens strive for the common good, not just their personal benefit or interests. Plato, through his Republic, developed the concept of justice as a central virtue of society, while Aristotle, in his Nicomachean Ethics, emphasized that happiness (eudaimonia) is achieved through just actions. According to his philosophy, ethics are not theoretical but practical, and closely tied to the individual’s responsibility for their actions.
In relation to modern issues, the teachings of ancient philosophers have a timeless relevance. Environmental crises caused by the reckless exploitation of natural resources, and inequalities—now further exacerbated by technological advances—are problems that require an ethical approach based on principles of justice and virtue. For example, Aristotle’s principle of “the golden mean” can be applied to technology: excessive reliance on it can lead to inequalities and negative consequences in many areas, while rejecting it altogether would deprive society of its benefits. The inability of the state and society to manage inequalities often leads to conflicts and even global crises that require collective responsibility for their resolution. Increasingly, global unity based on solidarity and fraternity is needed to prevent violent conflicts on an international level.

Practical Philosophy and Applied Ethics

Practical philosophy focuses on solving contemporary ethical dilemmas such as resource inequality, bioethics, and the impact of technological progress. Philosophers like Kant, with his categorical imperative, propose ethics that promote individual responsibility towards humanity as a whole. Practical philosophy and applied ethics aim to offer solutions to specific moral problems that humanity faces. One of the main fields of practical philosophy is bioethics, which addresses ethical issues arising from scientific and medical advances. Since the 1970s, when bioethics began to develop as an autonomous field, philosophers have tried to answer questions related to society’s responsibility for the use of genetic technology (e.g., cloning), biotechnology, and artificial intelligence.

Practical philosophy emphasizes the need to consider the consequences of our actions and choices globally and over time. Peter Singer, for instance, addresses global poverty and advocates the idea that our ethical responsibility extends beyond national borders. In The Life You Can Save, Singer argues that individuals in wealthy countries have a moral obligation to help those suffering from extreme poverty, providing a framework of global moral responsibility rooted in the classical idea of philanthropy. The ethics of responsibility also call upon states and their citizens to act to protect the environment and reduce the depletion of the planet’s finite resources, a practice primarily carried out by developed nations, which disproportionately affects – as is customary – the most vulnerable.

Science and Philosophy

The relationship between science and philosophy is deep and interdependent. Science, often focused on discovering the truth about the physical world, needs philosophy to define the ethical frameworks within which it should operate. Nuclear energy, for example, is a characteristic case where scientific progress can have dreadful consequences if not guided by ethical principles. For instance, the debate on the ethics of artificial intelligence analyses how the use of algorithms can reinforce social inequalities and affect global labour and economy. The absence of philosophical thought in science can lead to dangerous developments, as humanity has unfortunately experienced in the recent past. The development of nuclear weapons and the destruction they caused in Hiroshima and Nagasaki is one of the most characteristic examples where science escaped ethical barriers and control. A philosophy of moral responsibility could have prevented such developments through the promotion of international ethical principles.

Philosophical Revolution as a Means for Global Responsibility

The inability – and worse – unwillingness of states to cooperate with each other and the lack of ethical governance has intensified global crises. Philosophy has historically been an invaluable source of wisdom for addressing humanity’s greatest challenges. Faced with contemporary global problems, the need for a new model of global responsibility is becoming increasingly urgent. Through principles of justice, virtue, and harmony, philosophy can offer the new model required for shaping a humane, sustainable, and prosperous future.

Environmental Protection through Philosophy and the Integration of Justice into Global Policies

Classical philosophers, such as Aristotle, emphasized that justice is the fundamental virtue that ensures the balance and well-being of society. In the context of protecting our planet, in the modern era the emerges concept of “climate justice”, recognizing that the poorest countries and the most vulnerable societies are the most affected by the environmental crisis, even though they have contributed the least to it. Here, justice demands that developed countries take greater responsibility. For example, the Paris Agreement, an international treaty to address the climate crisis, represents a step towards climate justice. It promotes cooperation among countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reflecting the philosophical principle of global solidarity and responsibility.

Inequality, in whatever form it takes, is another issue that philosophy can illuminate through the principle of justice. Today’s enormous economic inequality, combined with unequal access to basic resources and infrastructure such as healthcare, education, and technology, creates conditions of social injustice that threaten social cohesion. Philosophy, especially the theories of social justice and equality for all, can offer guidelines for creating more just societies. Kant, for example, emphasizes that people must be treated as “ends” and not merely as “means”, indicating the need to prioritize human dignity and equal rights for everyone.

Technological Progress, Ethical Challenges, and the Necessity of a Philosophical Revolution

Technological progress, such as artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and digital globalization, demands ethical guidance to avoid both inequalities and abuses. Philosophers like Habermas argue that technology should not evolve without the moral consent of society. Transparency, ethical accountability, and participatory decision-making are necessary for the proper use of technology for the benefit of all, not just an elite. Humanity stands at a critical juncture where global crises require a profound philosophical and, certainly, peaceful revolution. Philosophy should no longer be limited to theoretical reflections but actively integrated into political and social structures, as it can form the foundation for creating a new global model that ensures harmony between science, economy, society, and environment.

Collective Action in Global Cohesion and the Role of Education

To achieve truly sustainable change, collective action at a global level is required, in form of cooperation among nations and communities, aimed at developing a culture that promotes solidarity, justice, and sustainability. Each society should recognize the global responsibility it bears and work together with others to find solutions that ensure the welfare of all. Education – as everywhere else – plays a central role in this process. By teaching philosophical values and critical thinking, we can prepare future generations to think responsibly and ethically, understanding the impacts of their actions on the world. The incorporation of philosophy into the educational system encourages the continuous pursuit of knowledge and self-awareness, promoting individual and collective responsibility. From the earliest educational levels, children around the world – the grassroots – should be nurtured with these universal values, which have always been at the centre of every sustainable solution.

Conclusion

Taking all the above into consideration, the challenges we face nowadays are great, nonetheless the solution lies in our hands. Philosophy can provide us with the framework, but ultimately, our actions are those to determine the future. Humanity now – more than ever before – needs a new philosophical approach that incorporates global responsibility, humanitarianism, and sustainability. Therefore, the contribution of both classical and practical philosophy to the development of a sense of global responsibility is undeniable. By recognizing global responsibility and the need for ethical governance, philosophical values can become the beacon that guides us toward a better, sustainable, and fairer world. Only in this way can we achieve the cohesion and harmony necessary for the welfare of humanity – one that we all deserve and wish for.

Irene Doura Kavadia
Editor-in-Chief
Writers International Edition

Bibliography

Online Resources

World Economic Forum. “The Global Risks Report 2024.” WEF.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). “Education for Sustainable Development.”
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: “Kant’s Moral Philosophy” – https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/kant-moral/
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: “Plato” – https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/plato/
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: “Aristotle” – https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/aristotle/
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: “Jürgen Habermas” – https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/habermas/
Internet Classics Archive