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[Audio] The concept of "metaphysics" is used as a means of controlling society. Welcome to our training video on Brave New World, where we will delve into the philosophical principles of the author, Aldous Huxley, and how they are portrayed in the book. We will also examine the ideas of philosopher Jeremy Bentham and the criticism of metaphysical concepts in the book. Initially, we will discuss Huxley's ethical foundation, which is based on the theory of Utilitarianism. This theory states that the best action is one that maximizes utility, defined as promoting happiness and well-being for the majority. The World State, depicted in the book, operates on this principle by prioritizing societal stability and collective happiness, even at the expense of individual freedom, truth, and genuine human experience. Examples in the book show how the World State eliminates potential sources of conflict and unhappiness by suppressing art, religion, and family, which can lead to individualism and instability, contradicting the state's goal of collective happiness. Through this, the state maintains control and contributes to the overall stability and happiness of society. Moving on to Jeremy Bentham, he is known as a pioneer of modern utilitarianism, which strives to achieve the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. His ideas of the "greatest happiness principle" and the use of a "felicific calculus" to measure pleasure and pain are reflected in the World State's systematic and scientific approach to creating a constantly content society. Finally, the book presents a skewed version of "metaphysics" as a tool for controlling society, exposing the dangers of using metaphysical concepts to manipulate and dominate individuals. In conclusion, the philosophy of Utilitarianism serves as the basis for the beliefs and actions of the World State in Brave New World. The influence of philosopher Jeremy Bentham and the critique of metaphysical concepts in the book further emphasize the dangers of using philosophy as a means of social control..

[Audio] This video discusses Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World". The focus is on the book's depiction of reality and human life. The society presented in the book prioritizes social stability and collective happiness over individual freedom, truth, and genuine human experiences. This is achieved through the suppression of art, religion, and family, as well as the control of human desires, emotions, and reproduction. The World State, the governing body, follows Jeremy Bentham's utilitarian ideas, valuing the majority's happiness over the individual's suffering. However, this distorted understanding of truth and reality as a means of control is fundamentally wrong. It disregards the complexity, depth, and need for meaning in human existence. The book serves as a warning against sacrificing individual freedom and truth for societal stability. In terms of human life, the book aligns with Aristotle's Four Causes. Humans are reduced to mere biological products, mass-produced and conditioned to serve a specific function in society. Their social role is determined by their caste and job, leaving no room for self-discovery and fulfillment. The purpose of human life is also twisted to serve the needs of society rather than the individual. John the Savage challenges this dehumanizing view, highlighting the importance of genuine human experience and emotion. His struggles with the controlled nature of the World State showcase the value of love, art, and the complexities of human existence that the society tries to suppress. The book serves as a reminder of the dangers of sacrificing individual freedom and truth for societal stability..

[Audio] In the previous two presentations, we discussed the themes of societal stability and individual freedoms in Aldous Huxley's novel "Brave New World." In this third presentation, we will continue examining these themes in the context of modern life and how they are reflected in countries like Kenya. We will first explore the concept of consumerism, as seen in the World State where consumption is encouraged to maintain social stability. This is also evident in the consumer culture of Kenya, where constant buying leads to a cycle of dissatisfaction and contributes to societal stability. In the book, the citizens use the drug soma for escapism, similar to the prevalent use of social media, binge-watching, and substance use in modern life. These all provide a temporary escape from daily challenges. In Kenya, we also see the theme of social stratification, where certain institutions and opportunities are reserved for a specific social or financial background, creating a sense of inequality. Finally, we see the subversion of the transcendentals - truth, goodness, and beauty - in "Brave New World," where they are replaced with convenience and social utility. These ideals are essential for our students to understand and recognize in our modern society..

[Audio] As we come to the final slide, let us pause and reflect on the topics we have covered. Throughout this presentation, we have delved into the concept of putting societal stability and overall happiness above individual freedom, truth, and genuine human experience. While this may seem like an ideal idea, upon further examination, it can result in the suppression of important aspects of life, such as art, religion, and family. Our discussion aligns with the beliefs of philosopher Jeremy Bentham, who advocated for the idea of "the greatest happiness for the greatest number". However, we must consider whether this approach truly leads to genuine happiness for all individuals, or if it is simply a means of controlling society. In today's world, we can see the prevalence of passive forms of entertainment, such as mindlessly scrolling through social media and binge-watching shows. While these activities may provide us with a temporary sense of pleasure, they ultimately serve as an escape from reality rather than confronting it and finding true fulfillment. The extreme use of soma in the World State serves as a powerful metaphor for the numerous ways our society offers to avoid facing reality. It is vital for us to recognize the importance of seeking genuine connections and purpose in life, rather than sacrificing our individual freedom and genuine human experience in the name of societal stability. Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploring the complexities of societal stability and collective happiness. My hope is that this presentation has inspired you to critically examine the balance between personal needs and the greater good of society. Thank you for listening..