The philosophy of the VUCA world
The acronym VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) was initially used by the US military to describe the world that became unstable, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous after the end of the Cold War. It was then adopted by the business world as a framework for dealing with rapid changes in technology and global markets.
Although some people question the whole idea of VUCA, considering that the world has always been changeable, uncertain, complex, and unclear, I would say that there have been times in history when life was more stable, such as during the Pax Romana in the Roman Empire or the Tang Dynasty in China, and times marked by rapid changes and confusion, such as the fall of the Roman Empire during its accelerated decline in the Middle Ages. In such periods, greater adaptability is needed both on an individual and societal level in order to successfully navigate through these transitional times.
Volatility
The word “volatility” was first defined in a financial context, but it can also be applied to describe the unpredictability and instability of the world we live in. The VUCA world is characterized by constant fluctuations, upheavals, and disruptions, where what worked yesterday may not work today. It requires individuals and organizations to be able to quickly adapt and respond to changing circumstances.
Uncertainty
Uncertainty refers to the lack of predictability and the presence of unknown factors in the VUCA world. With globalization, technological advancements, and geopolitical shifts, it is becoming increasingly difficult to anticipate future outcomes. Plans and strategies need to be flexible and adaptable to account for various possible scenarios.
Complexity
Complexity describes the intricate and interconnected nature of the VUCA world. With the rapid pace of technological advancements and the global interdependencies, issues and challenges are often multifaceted and require a holistic approach. Solutions may involve multiple stakeholders and require a deep understanding of the interconnected systems at play.
Ambiguity
Ambiguity refers to the lack of clarity in the VUCA world. Information overload, conflicting narratives, and changing paradigms make it challenging to make sense of situations and make informed decisions. It requires critical thinking, adaptability, and the ability to navigate through uncertainty.
In conclusion, the philosophy of the VUCA world recognizes the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous nature of our modern society. It calls for individuals and organizations to cultivate adaptability, flexibility, and resilience in order to thrive in this ever-changing environment. In Samuel Johnson’s dictionary from the 18th century, “flight” is defined as “something that can fly.” Since then, it has come to mean something lively, fickle, something that changes from moment to moment. The Covid-19 pandemic and the world’s reaction to it are the best examples of this instability. It was something that surprised the whole world (except for a few experts).
How is it possible to find inner stability and lasting happiness in a constantly changing world? According to Plato, the key lies in the realization that this ever-changing world is just a flickering shadow of another reality that is stable and real. Philosophy, or love of wisdom, is the search for that unchanging reality. The first step towards this, as emphasized by the Stoics and Buddhist philosophers, is to accept that material things, even thoughts and feelings, are inherently unstable and transient. This acceptance can inspire us to seek stability and happiness within our own inner strength and in the metaphysical dimension of reality.
In consumer societies, the emphasis is on possession. Instead of existence, it should focus on possessing. Happiness and prestige are perceived as if they arise from owning things that are considered desirable (and which vary from one era to another). However, any unbiased observer can see that possessing material things does not necessarily bring happiness. As Aristotle emphasized, wealth can enhance our happiness, but it does not cause it. Happiness comes from within, so if we want to be happy, we must shift our focus from possession to existence, as psychologist and philosopher Erich Fromm recommended in his book “To Have or to Be.”
Uncertainty
The unstable world by its nature will also be uncertain. Who knows what will happen tomorrow? Will Covid be “defeated” this year? Will humanity become extinct as a result of climate change? To what extent will the world political order change in the coming years? The future seems extremely uncertain.
Such uncertainties often lead to many fears and anxieties.
Complexity
This is one of those VUCA concepts that would be difficult to disagree with: our world is definitely more complex than any known previous era. Just think about the inner workings of computers or all the internet algorithms and robots, satellites in space, the immense variety of applications, advancements in artificial intelligence and biotechnology, systems within systems that are all interconnected and interdependent. Compare that to the Middle Ages and their monastic libraries with a few hundred handwritten and illustrated books and manuscripts, or even the complex bureaucracy of the Roman Empire, and we will see that our world has become infinitely more complex, and therefore more fragile. If any of these interconnected systems were to collapse, it would trigger a domino effect on other complex systems.
From a philosophical point of view, what is the best way to navigate this complexity? What about these complexities? Marko Aurelius wrote in his Meditations: “Happiness comes from doing a few things and doing them well.” Perhaps this opinion was just a wish from his side because his own life, the life of the emperor of the entire Roman Empire, was undoubtedly quite complex. Nevertheless, I believe that this saying contains a truth that is applicable even today. Although we cannot completely escape complexity, we can at least avoid unnecessary complexity and make time for simple activities such as walking in nature or engaging in meaningful conversations with real people, without our phones. Let’s not forget that we, as human beings, have created this complex world. We can start simplifying it if we want.
At the same time, we should not deny or reject complexity, as that would mean running away from life itself. In ancient Egypt, the guiding principle was: unity in diversity. We also find this principle in cosmogonies around the world, as well as in scientific paradigms. In the beginning, there was unity. The principle from which an infinite multitude arose. Today we have lost contact with this principle of unity and have become lost in the labyrinth of complexity.
Ambiguity
Ambiguity refers to a lack of clarity about a person or situation when it is possible to have more than one interpretation or meaning. This can occur when information is incomplete or contradictory, or when it is too distorted to reach clear conclusions. There are many different types of ambiguity: semantic, scientific, moral, philosophical, and so on.
Ambiguity is often inevitable and should not be avoided, as that would mean oversimplifying life. For example, as the existentialist philosopher Simone de Beauvoir emphasized, there is inherent ambiguity between freedom and responsibility. Absolute freedom is not possible, as our actions affect others and vice versa. Similarly, if we were to lean towards absolute responsibility, we would never dare to act out of fear of influencing others negatively. The solution may be hidden in that well-known saying: Live and let others live. According to Simone de Beauvoir, we should try to act in a way that allows others freedom, but in order to preserve everyone’s freedom, we must be willing to limit the freedom of those who seek to destroy the freedom of others.
Ambiguity, like the other three VUCA concepts, can produce a sense of anxiety and lead to inaction: when we don’t know how to explain a situation, we decide not to act. But as de Beauvoir says: “Since we can’t escape it, let’s try to face the truth. Let’s try to embrace our fundamental ambiguity. From understanding the real conditions of our lives, we must draw strength for living and reason for action.”
There are also other positive aspects to ambiguity. For example, in novels, morally questionable characters and situations add depth to the story. In poetry, ambiguity – double meanings, different levels of interpretation – expands our consciousness and enables us to rise above rational understanding. In order to understand Life itself. The following paragraph from Keats’ Ode to a Nightingale is a good example of ambiguity and different levels of meaning:
The night is gentle, and the Moon-Queen is happy on her throne,
Surrounded by all her starry fairies;
But here there is no light, except that which the breeze brings from the sky
Through the dark greenery of plants and winding mossy paths.
How can philosophy help us live in a VUCA world? Philosophy provides depth of understanding and can lead us to the doors of transcendent truths about life. After that, as the Neoplatonic philosopher Plotinus tells us, it is important to open our (inner) eyes and see. This “seeing” can give us optimism and enthusiasm not only for survival but also for progress in the VUCA or any other world.
1 … “the best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men gang aft agley” – often quoted line from the poem To a Mouse by Scottish writer Robert Burns.