Poetic Philosophy and the Moralization of Social Networks

In this paper, I aim to explore the question, "What distinguishes philosophy in its original sense? " My intent is not to provide a historical overview of philosophy, but to concentrate on what makes philosophy a liberating practice. I argue that this practice is rooted in its poetic and affirmative way of organizing life. To emphasize this idea, I contrast it with the presumed organization found in social media and networks. While social media and networks encourages commitment by simplifying complexity, they also restrict users' freedom, responsibility, and ability to make meaningful decisions. To support these claims, I examine the role of algorithms in the organizing function of social media and networks, viewing them through the lens of a poetic philosophy to determine if a more affirmative and liberating forms of existential organization is possible.

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Publication Details

Journal
Emancipations
Published
2025-03-30
DOI
https://doi.org/10.55533/2765-8414.1126
Primary Topic
Critical Theory and Philosophy
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Poetic Philosophy and the Moralization of Social Networks

Finn Janning
Emancipations
Critical Theory and Philosophy
article

Poetic Philosophy and the Moralization of Social Networks

Finn Janning
article en

Abstract

In this paper, I aim to explore the question, "What distinguishes philosophy in its original sense? " My intent is not to provide a historical overview of philosophy, but to concentrate on what makes philosophy a liberating practice. I argue that this practice is rooted in its poetic and affirmative way of organizing life. To emphasize this idea, I contrast it with the presumed organization found in social media and networks. While social media and networks encourages commitment by simplifying complexity, they also restrict users' freedom, responsibility, and ability to make meaningful decisions. To support these claims, I examine the role of algorithms in the organizing function of social media and networks, viewing them through the lens of a poetic philosophy to determine if a more affirmative and liberating forms of existential organization is possible.

Emancipations
Openalex Percentile: Top 88%
Critical Theory and Philosophy
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