Critique of Ulrich Beck’s Risk Society Theory from the Perspective of Philosopher Orod Bozorg
Critique of Ulrich Beck’s Risk Society Theory from the Perspective of Philosopher Orod Bozorg (Baba-ye Shirvan)
- Ontology and Holistic Outlook
In the Red Book, Philosopher Orod Bozorg (Baba-ye Shirvan) conceives existence as an integrated, dynamic, and dignified whole in which humans are conscious participants. By contrast, Beck frames “risk” as a product of modernity and a threat to humanity. This anthropocentric and dualistic perspective generates anxiety and distrust, whereas Orod’s philosophy encourages harmony and active engagement with existence through a “love for the cosmos.”
- Anthropology and Human Agency
Orod Bozorg emphasizes human choice and agency: “We shape our destiny, not events.” Beck’s framework, however, depicts individuals as passive victims of structural and global risks. Even his notion of reflexivity remains abstract and inaccessible to ordinary people. From Orod’s perspective, such an image diminishes human capability and undermines empowerment.
- Freedom and Ethical Responsibility
In Orod Bozorg’s philosophy, freedom is inseparable from awareness and responsibility: “Freedom without self-sacrifice is ineffective.” Beck, while diagnosing the consequences of modernity, offers no ethical or practical framework for confronting risks. Orod’s synthesis of freedom and responsibility provides a path from passive spectatorship to active participation—precisely the point where Beck’s theory remains limited.
- Rationalism and Pragmatism
Orod Bozorg upholds rationality as the ultimate guide: “Human liberation is the fruit of wisdom and knowledge.” Beck’s theory, however, suffers from conceptual ambiguity, failing to define whether risk is an objective condition or a social construct. Such vagueness obstructs decisive action. Orod’s clarity and rationalism, in contrast, establish a pragmatic foundation for practice.
- Future Orientation and Hope
The sharpest divergence lies in their visions of the future. Orod Bozorg (Baba-ye Shirvan) is a herald of hope and progress: “Arise! New paths yearn for our steps.” Beck’s Risk Society, while cautionary, projects a future of fear and uncertainty that may foster paralysis rather than engagement.
Comparative Table Dimension Orod Bozorg (Baba-ye Shirvan) Ulrich Beck Orod’s Critique Ontology Existence as an integrated and dignified whole Existence as threat to modern humans Dualistic, anxiety-inducing Anthropology Humans as capable, free, and responsible Humans as passive victims of macro risks Weakens human agency Solution Rationality, responsibility, collective action Institutional reflexivity (abstract, macro) Impractical for individuals Orientation Hopeful, positive, progressive Fearful, ambiguous Risks social despair Social Justice Inherent equality and duty to resist inequality Acknowledges unequal risk distribution Lacks practical remedies