Philosophy and Social Transformations: The Consumer Society as a Model

Abstract

Perhaps one of the most complex concepts that has recently emerged in Arab societies, as a result of the rise in economic levels and individual well-being, is the concept of "consumption." This is a collective process undertaken by individuals under the influence of specific advertising or cultural factors. Individuals respond to it for economic or psychological reasons. Consumption did not reach its peak in our societies until the growing influence of capitalism in the world we live in today, particularly with the rise of technology, the influx of information, and the ease of communication between economically diverse societies. Despite the positive aspects of this technology, it has fueled materialistic tendencies that have contributed to waves of change in societal values ​​and ethics. This is especially true since this technology is managed by the West for its own purposes, interests, and benefits. With its spread, societies gradually lose much of their authenticity, identity, and culture. This is clearly manifested in the imitation of the West in various aspects of daily life, transforming the landscape of daily life from work and production to consumption, reaching the highest stage of comprehensive consumption. This has imprinted society with its character and adopted many of the features of consumption, which has its own levels and patterns that will be addressed in this research. With a statement of the critical philosophical stance on the process of uncontrolled consumption and its characterization as consumerism, until the transformation of society into a consumer society.