- March 21st, 2024, 9:27 am
#458441
This topic is about the March 2024 Philosophy Book of the Month, Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
The question of whether older individuals in political positions may make erroneous decisions due to potential mental decline is both provocative and pertinent. Marcus Aurelius mused on the inevitable decline in mental sharpness with age, a notion corroborated by modern science.
AI Prompt: A troubled and indecisive, old and fragile, president of the US
file-zrZJJ1rRVcsu3qkKAqEk1l5P-01.jpeg (299.21 KiB) Viewed 2575 times
Research from Columbia University indicates that older political leaders can positively influence public perceptions of aging, suggesting that societal values might prioritize experience and perceived wisdom over the risks of potential cognitive decline (https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/n ... der-adults).
Meanwhile, findings from the University of Gothenburg highlight a concerning trend: the underrepresentation of young adults in politics could be leading to a cycle of political alienation, raising questions about the sustainability of current political structures and the criteria by which leaders are chosen (https://studyfinds.org/politicians-too- ... democracy/).
Yet, the global political arena is replete with senior leaders like Joe Biden and Paul Biya, whose advanced ages have not precluded them from holding and seeking office (https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads ... d-leaders/).
This situation spurs a multifaceted discussion: Can older leaders maintain the mental acuity required for high-stakes decision-making? And importantly, why do electorates continue to vote for older candidates, possibly at the risk of cognitive decline impacting governance?
The question of whether older individuals in political positions may make erroneous decisions due to potential mental decline is both provocative and pertinent. Marcus Aurelius mused on the inevitable decline in mental sharpness with age, a notion corroborated by modern science.
As we age our mental sharpness might decline too. Even if we live longer our ability to think clearly make decisions and understand complex issues might weaken. So it’s not just the fear of death that should motivate us, but also the possibility of losing our mental clarity before we pass away.-Marcus Aurelius-
file-zrZJJ1rRVcsu3qkKAqEk1l5P-01.jpeg (299.21 KiB) Viewed 2575 times
Research from Columbia University indicates that older political leaders can positively influence public perceptions of aging, suggesting that societal values might prioritize experience and perceived wisdom over the risks of potential cognitive decline (https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/n ... der-adults).
Meanwhile, findings from the University of Gothenburg highlight a concerning trend: the underrepresentation of young adults in politics could be leading to a cycle of political alienation, raising questions about the sustainability of current political structures and the criteria by which leaders are chosen (https://studyfinds.org/politicians-too- ... democracy/).
Yet, the global political arena is replete with senior leaders like Joe Biden and Paul Biya, whose advanced ages have not precluded them from holding and seeking office (https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads ... d-leaders/).
This situation spurs a multifaceted discussion: Can older leaders maintain the mental acuity required for high-stakes decision-making? And importantly, why do electorates continue to vote for older candidates, possibly at the risk of cognitive decline impacting governance?
“There is only one thing a philosopher can be relied upon to do, and that is to contradict other philosophers”
– William James
– William James
- By Sy Borg
- By thrasymachus