Guest Editors: Eike Düvel (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology) & Jeroen Hopster (Utrecht University)
The upcoming decades have the prospect – and carry the ambition – of multiple societal transformations. The climate crisis necessitates a green transformation from a fossil-fuel-based economy to renewable energy production and transportation, yet political and institutional hurdles to achieving a just transition abound. Recent advances in artificial intelligence suggest the possibility that much work currently done by humans will be thoroughly transformed or replaced.
Societal transformations raise various philosophical questions, yet discourse on societal transformations that is distinctly philosophical is not always visible in the academic literature, and in some respects underdeveloped. The aim of this special issue is to bring together contributions on the topics of societal transformations and transitional justice, to identify core ethical and political principles and frameworks, as well as conceptual distinctions and clarifications, that can advance scholarship in this field.
For instance, large-scale transformations will often create losers and winners – what assistance do we owe to those who, through no fault of their own, find their long-term projects and life plans frustrated? Arguably, some transformations challenge fundamental institutions and basic moral concepts. Do we owe duties to artificial intelligences, and if so, do these duties differ in kind from the ones that we owe to each other? In recent years there has been populist backlash against certain decarbonization policies. Are there any lessons we can learn from this about the desirability, and feasibility, of societal transformations?
Other relevant questions include, but are not limited to, the following:
- How can functional institutions and long-term governance be procured in transitional processes?
- How can epistemic injustices be avoided in societal transformations?
- Can insights from social ontology and empirical findings be utilized for a better understanding of societal transformations, including core levers and agents of change?
- Do philosophers require specific methods, e.g., “engaged philosophy”, to reflect on societal transformations?
- What role should risk and uncertainty play in normative theorizing on societal transformations?
Original research papers between 3.000 and 10.000 words in length should be submitted by January 31st, 2026. All submissions will undergo MOPP’s double-blind refereeing process. Papers will only be accepted for publication in the Special Issue if they are approved for publication by both the journal’s editors and the guest editors. Manuscripts are submitted via ScholarOne at http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/mopp.
The guest editors aim to publish the special issue in 2026. Questions can be directed to:
Eike Düvel – eike.duevel@kit.edu
Jeroen Hopster – j.k.g.hopster@uu.nl