Increase - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Increase, seemingly a straightforward term denoting an augmentation or expansion, holds within it a complex philosophical depth, hinting at humanity's relentless pursuit of more, whether tangible or conceptual. It is not merely a descriptive word but a concept laden with ambition, desire, and, potentially, ethical quandaries, prompting questions about the nature of progress itself. Is more, truly better?
The earliest recorded articulations of the drive to Increase can be traced back to ancient agricultural societies. In agrarian economies the concept of growth occupied a central place, with prayers and rituals for increasing herd sizes and crop yields representing the essence of survival. Texts from ancient civilizations, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh (circa 2100 BCE), while primarily narratives, reflect a cultural anxiety around resource management and the natural cycles of fertility, with the character of Enkidu representing a personification of wild nature, in contrast to Gilgamesh’s pursuit of civilization and its advancements. Similarly, across time, figures like Aristotle have influenced our conceptions of what "increase" may mean. Aristotle emphasized the pursuit of virtue and the development of human potential, framing Increase not merely in terms of material gain but as moral development, contrasting with more materialistic readings, showcasing the breadth of philosophical conversations it invites.
Over centuries, the interpretation of what constitutes valid Increase and its ethical implications has shifted dramatically. The Renaissance witnessed an explosion of knowledge and exploration, leading to both unprecedented growth and devastating consequences. Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations (1776) heralded an era where economic Growth was seen as a primary indicator of societal well-being, spurring industrial revolutions and global trade. Yet, this emphasis on unlimited growth has generated discussions about sustainability, resource depletion, and the responsibility of economic actors. The concept sparks heated debate today, especially within the context of climate change and biodiversity loss. As humans have wrestled with the ethical paradoxes of scientific advancements, thinkers like Peter Singer have made the case for expanding our circle of moral consideration to include the rights of non-human animals. Judith Jarvis's exploration of the trolley problem provokes us to reconsider the boundaries of moral obligation when faced with competing claims of what constitutes the 'greatest good.' These examples suggest a complex interplay between our aspirations for growth and our ethical accountability.
The Legacy of Increase stretches from economic policy to ecological ethics, impacting not only the material aspects of human existence, but also the conceptual frameworks through which we understand progress. It remains a driving force in innovation, technology, and societal aspiration, but also prompts critical Inquiry into issues of equity vs equality, ethical obligations in AI, fairness bias, philosophy of responsibility, economic inequality and justice. As societies grapple with the ramifications of unchecked advancement, the challenge now lies in redefining what forms of expansion should be pursued. Consider, for instance, the exploration of fairness heuristics, the exploration of philosophical anthropology in ethics, distributive justice and non-cognitivism in ethics. What truly constitutes increase, and at what cost? How can societies promote improvement, not just in aggregate, but also the equitable distribution of resources. The concept of Increase continues to shape our world, inviting constant reassessment of values and priorities in the face of an uncertain future.