(Originais Teachy 2023) - Question Medium of Philosophy

Describe how the concept of 'selfie' can be philosophically interpreted as a symptom of subjectivity in contemporary society, considering the perspective of self-image, identity, and social relations mediated by digital technologies. Relate this phenomenon to the thoughts of at least two contemporary philosophers, highlighting their reflections on the construction of subjectivity and the influence of technology on the formation of individual identity.

During an interdisciplinary class that correlated Philosophy and History, a group of 2nd-year high school students was challenged to analyze the influence of philosophical thought on the construction of the concepts of citizenship and democracy throughout history. At a certain point, the discussion focused on the transition from the political thought of Thomas Hobbes to that of John Locke, considering the context of the 17th century and the events that led to the foundation of the first democratic theories. The conversation continued highlighting the role of Philosophy in questioning and reformulating social conceptions, which led to a reflection on the Enlightenment reforms that permeated the same period. In this context, considering the excerpt from the German philosopher Immanuel Kant (1724-1804): 'Enlightenment is man's emergence from his self-imposed immaturity. Immaturity is the inability to use one's understanding without guidance from another. This immaturity is self-imposed when its cause lies not in lack of understanding, but in lack of resolve and courage to use it without guidance from another. Sapere aude! Dare to know!', and using your knowledge of Enlightenment Philosophy and the historical context of the time, analyze how the ideas of Hobbes and Locke, together with the principle of 'sapere aude', contributed to the formation of a new political paradigm that values the autonomy of the citizen and the establishment of democratic societies.

Contemporary democracy, forged in a context of pluralism and cultural diversity, faces the challenge of reconciling the preservation of individual rights with the promotion of the common good. In this scenario, ethical deliberation emerges as an essential tool in the decision-making process that affects the community. The contemporary philosopher Jürgen Habermas proposed the 'discourse ethics' as a theoretical foundation for the validity of norms in a democratic society, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and rational consensus in the public sphere. In his work 'Between Facts and Norms,' Habermas states that 'the democratic process cannot do without ethical communication, which requires a constant adjustment between the normative system and the behavioral expectations of its citizens.' Considering the presented context and Habermas's perspective, analyze the role of ethical communication in the democratic dynamics and discuss to what extent the notion of 'fact' and 'norm' are relevant for decision-making within democratic values.