More Than Technology, Cities Need Philosophy

It is becoming evident that we need to stop and think about what future we want for our cities. The debate, the sharing of ideas, and the introduction of new concepts are frequently faltering, while only singular, monopolistic trends gain traction. We can already observe this process in elections as well as in the daily life of the vibrant forces within our communities.

This is a process that should not be happening, especially when highlighting the benignity of Western democracies for the progress and prosperity of people. Yet, fifty years after the April 25th revolution, for example, in Portugal, monolithic currents have occupied the dialectical, political, and media space, leaving no room for critical thinking or deeper reflection on what is really happening in our society and how the community can work together to solve problems and overcome increasingly evident challenges.

Of course, there are always ways to introduce new topics into the debate and promote healthy discussion without friction or disdain for different opinions and alternative visions of the future. However, this effort is becoming increasingly burdensome for the reputation of those who dare to think differently.

Nevertheless, it was this condition of thinking differently from each other that evolved our society in ways never imagined. It was debate and critical thinking that built bridges and many of humanity's challenges were solved through acceptance, argumentation, rhetoric, and logic. It was also through experimentation, disruption, and knowledge that progress was made in all areas of science.

If this was the case, why are we regressing in the Polis? What are the reasons for the current friction, resistance, the clash, and even mutual insults and deprecations? What are the causes of tensions and extreme positions? Are they political, academic, economic, or social?

We may be witnessing the result of a lack of leadership and the irresponsibility of political actors elected and evaluated at the polls every four years. This may be one reason for this "lightness" and lack of elevation in the debate. Many of these leaders have taken up causes and incorporated global messages on various topics, considering themselves ambassadors of "truth" and thus granting the public debate space total unanimity, depriving it of any opportunity for a different vision or critique. These critiques also arise precisely in managing political weapons without any intention of finding solutions to problems. Many also tend to seek irresponsibility in technologies and data analytics that can confirm or guide decisions solely because a computer determines so.

What we should all be thinking and discussing is solving problems once and for all, with all contributions being welcome.?

This reflection comes considering the recent Smart Travel edition, organized this year by the Municipality of Mealhada (Portugal) on April 17 and 18. On its first day, the event aimed to "unsettle" minds through philosophy, notably through the intellectual "provocation" of Professor José Alves Jana, who provided a rich contribution for thinking about cities in the present and not the future. For Alves Jana, "the city belongs to everyone, and everyone should have the right and duty to contribute to the community."

Returning to the Polis, discussing issues honestly, transparently, and urbanely, is the key to overcoming the challenges facing those who manage the destinies of companies, cities, and countries. Proceeding like an ostrich, burying its head in the sand, and not facing problems, only waving global and generic propaganda that is harmless to citizens' lives, seems like a potential disaster for Western democracies.

Meanwhile, in other latitudes, obviously less "democratic," problems are solved, progress is evident, economic, and social development is consolidated, and citizens begin to have a voice in their respective communities, even if they do not vote to elect their leaders

But it is in communities and the work of solving day-to-day problems that true leaders, respected in society with evident human merits and qualities, are born. Naturally, with exceptions, this is perhaps what is lacking in the "factories of politicians" in the West.

(This article was published originally in Portuguese in the Revista Smart Cities and was written in May).

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