Does childism influence evolution of humans?

Question

Childism can be defined as follows :

Childism can refer either to advocacy for empowering children as a subjugated group or to prejudice and/or discrimination against children or childlike qualities.1 It can operate thus both as a positive term for a movement, like the term feminism, as well as a critical term to identify a phenomenon, like the term racism.

My question is : What do philosophers think about the influence of childism on the evolution of mankind ? Does the future belong to the kids or kid like qualities ? Given that so many kids died in Gaza Israel war , should childism be recognised like feminism ?

Answer 1

If you mean evolution in the biological sense, then childism is far too new of an idea to have had any noticeable impact on that. Although many animals, humans included, instinctively care about children, because doing so helps the species survive.

As for evolution in the more colloquial sense, people have advocated for the empowerment of children in various ways, such as advocating against corporal punishment, "bullying" (assault), and abuse, and advocating for freedom of religion, access to life-saving medical treatment, access to proper education, etc. I don't know that you can comment on how that influenced the "evolution of mankind", but it could certainly have improved the lives of a whole lot of children.

And the future certainly "belongs to the kids" in a practical sense, due to the passage of time and the mortality of humans. Kid-like qualities, on the other hand: you'll probably need to consider those qualities on an individual basis.

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But as for the Gaza Israel war, many women and men are also dying. Children aren't being discriminated against (such that their empowerment is needed) if people are dying indiscriminately.

Answer 2

On how youthful characters can help propel biological evolution, you may wish to check the concept of neoteny, which describes how new species can appear by retaining in adults traits previously seen only in the young. Neoteny is thought to have played a role in human evolution from apes.

On the ethical value of children vis a vis adults, I recommend the preface of The Little Prince by Saint-Ex.

Answer 3

It's really nice question.

I think Childism can be path towards Evolution.

• Child

  Meaning: A child is a young human being, typically one who has not yet reached the age of puberty or adulthood. Etymology: The word "child" has Old English origins. It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "kiltham" and is related to the Gothic word "kilþei" and Old High German "kilida," all of which mean "womb" or "uterus." The original sense of the word pertained to a fetus or an unborn or newly born child. Over time, its meaning evolved to refer to a young person. Type of Word: "Child" is a noun. Specifically, it is a common noun as it refers to a general class of people rather than a particular individual.

• Evolution

  Meaning: Evolution refers to the gradual development or change of living organisms over successive generations, often driven by natural selection, genetic variation, and environmental factors. It can also refer to broader processes of development, change, or growth in various fields. Etymology: The word "evolution" comes from the Latin word "evolutio," meaning "an unrolling" or "a development." It was first used in a biological context by Charles Darwin in the 19th century. Type of Word: "Evolution" is a common noun.

• Have we undergone Holistic Evolution?

  1. Biological: Yes! We have come all the way from apes to modern humans.
  2. Intellectual: Yes! We have discovered subtle secrets of universe, we are just stepping into AI revolution
  3. Psychological: No(Perhaps)! The wars now are more dangerous than they were in stone age. Crimes are more heinous. Depression and anxiety have became prevalent. Religious Extremism is still present.

What is needed for psychological Evolution?

Stupidity of old generation becomes tradition of new generation The brain which can look clearly without any prejudices, opinions, biases. A thinking which is free. A mind free of conditioning. A Liberal outlook, pure and pristine heart, is all needed for radical change a revolution.

Why Children?

Children have all above qualities essential for bringing about psychological Evolution. If they are kept free of conditioning of past generations and are given proper nourishment, a new generation will be born which will lead mankind to total revolution.

Childism, when taken in postive sense can generate wave of renaissance. Future belongs to Children.