Building a “Smart and Wise” Mental Attitude in the Digital Era: The Contribution of Philosophy to Modern Life

Opinion of Prof. Dr. Drs. Iriyanto Widisuseno, M.Hum. (widisusenoiriyanto@yahoo.co.id)

Philosophy is often perceived as an abstract discipline, distant from practical life. In reality, it plays a crucial role in shaping critical, rational, and wise thinking. In the face of modern life’s dynamics, particularly in the digital era characterized by rapid information flow and technological advancements philosophy becomes increasingly relevant as a foundation for making well-considered and responsible decisions.

Amid these challenges, how can philosophy cultivate a smart and wise mindset? To answer this question, the Public Relations Team of the Faculty of Humanities (FIB), Diponegoro University (Undip), had the opportunity to interview Prof. Dr. Drs. Iriyanto Widisuseno, M.Hum., a Professor of Philosophy at FIB Undip.

The Essence of Philosophy and Its Urgency in Life

According to Prof. Iriyanto, philosophy is a discipline that examines problems deeply from a fundamental perspective.

“Philosophy is not merely a set of complex theories but a way of thinking that enables us to understand the essence of a problem. Every individual, consciously or not, engages in philosophical thinking in their life—especially when questioning phenomena or seeking truth in decision-making,” he explained.

In other words, philosophy teaches a way of thinking that is not only rational but also reflective and systematic. This is highly essential in navigating challenges in the digital era, where circulating information is not always valid and is often biased.

Philosophy in the Context of Technological Advancement

Technological development has brought significant changes across various aspects of life. However, in some cases, technology is misused or applied without considering moral and ethical values.

“Fundamentally, technology is created to enhance human life, educate society, and strengthen human existence in civilization. However, its utilization has often deviated from its ontological purpose,” Prof. Iriyanto noted.

Thus, individuals must develop a smart and wise mindset when using technology to ensure it aligns with humanistic values.

Three Pillars of Philosophical Thinking as a Mental Foundation

Prof. Iriyanto explained that philosophy trains individuals to think more systematically and objectively. There are three main aspects of philosophical thinking that can help individuals develop a smart and wise mental attitude:

1. Essential Thinking: Understanding the Core of a Problem

One of the key abilities that philosophy teaches is essential thinking—the ability to understand issues at their root.

“Many people only see the surface of a phenomenon without deeply investigating the core problem. As a result, solutions tend to be temporary and fail to address the fundamental issues,” said Prof. Iriyanto.

For example, in the digital era, where information spreads rapidly, essential thinking helps individuals filter and analyze information critically before drawing conclusions or sharing it further.

2. Comprehensive Thinking: Seeing from Multiple Perspectives

Philosophy also emphasizes the importance of comprehensive thinking—examining an issue from multiple perspectives to avoid misunderstandings in decision-making.

“Every phenomenon has multiple dimensions that are interconnected. Therefore, when analyzing an issue, we must be able to view it holistically, not just from one angle,” he explained.

This approach is highly beneficial in solving social, political, and economic problems, where various interests must be considered wisely.

3. Normative Thinking: Prioritizing Moral and Ethical Principles

Every decision made by individuals or institutions is inseparable from ethics and social norms.

“No decision exists in a vacuum. Every action has moral consequences, so in making decisions, we must consider their impact on society and the environment,” he emphasized.

This normative approach is crucial in business, politics, and law, where decisions must uphold justice and the greater good.

Career Opportunities for Philosophy Graduates

There is a common misconception that philosophy graduates can only pursue careers in academia. In reality, critical and analytical thinking skills acquired through philosophy studies are highly valuable in various professional fields.

Some career paths available for philosophy graduates include:

• Data Analyst – Analyzing patterns and trends in data is essential in business and technology.
• Marketing Consultant – Understanding consumer behavior and market dynamics to develop effective marketing strategies.
• Research Consultant – Assisting companies or institutions in conducting research and policy analysis.
• Lecturer/Professor – Teaching and guiding students in developing critical and rational thinking skills.
• Journalist – Writing and reporting news with a deep analytical and objective approach.
• Human Resources Manager – Assessing individual characteristics and designing fair and effective HR policies.
• Writer – Creating books, articles, or essays that address social, political, and cultural issues from a philosophical perspective.

Support from the Faculty of Humanities, Undip

The Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Diponegoro University, Prof. Dr. Alamsyah, M.Hum., expressed his appreciation for the insights shared by Prof. Dr. Drs. Iriyanto Widisuseno, M.Hum. He emphasized that philosophy plays a vital role in shaping critical and wise thinking, especially in facing the challenges of the digital era.

“We fully support the development of philosophical studies, especially in building a smart and wise mindset. Analytical and reflective thinking is an essential skill that FIB Undip students must possess to contribute positively in various fields. We welcome any efforts that help students sharpen their intellectual skills for a better future,” said Prof. Alamsyah.

Philosophy as a Guide in Modern Life

Through this interview, Prof. Iriyanto reinforced that philosophy is not merely an academic theory but a practical thinking method applicable to daily life.

By cultivating essential, comprehensive, and normative thinking, individuals can become smarter and wiser in navigating contemporary challenges.

“If leaders and policymakers adopt philosophical thinking, they will be able to understand national issues more objectively and provide fair solutions that prioritize the collective interest,” he concluded.

In an increasingly complex globalized world, philosophy is no longer just a theoretical discipline but a practical guide for making rational, ethical, and socially beneficial decisions.