THE CONSENSUS PROBLEM: SOCIAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS

Abstract

The article is devoted to the social-philosophical analysis of consensus, which is one of the pressing issues of contemporary times. Consensus is regarded as a critical mechanism in ensuring both individual and collective welfare. The world is fraught with conflict zones that arise based on various motives and contentions, and simultaneously, efforts are made to seek solutions to these conflicts. In modern science, optimal consensus models and pacifist approaches are proposed, with attempts being made to define new directions for the development of conflictology. The article emphasizes that the resolution of social conflicts faces considerable challenges, as each new conflict emerges with its own unique content and scenario, necessitating different approaches for its resolution. These searches also encompass the philosophical, political, and legal aspects of public consciousness. Within the framework of the laws of social dynamics, efforts are made to bring conflicts to the consensus plane and to seek scientific solutions to them. In the article, the relationship between consensus and conflict, based on Hegelian logic, is explained through the structure of antithesis (conflict), thesis (dialogue), and synthesis (consensus). While dialogues aim for a predetermined consensus, conflict, in turn, promotes consensus through dialogues in a philosophical sense. This approach highlights the reciprocal relationship and interdependent nature between conflict and consensus. The limitations of idealizing consensus, as well as the difficulties in its realization, are linked to the impact of the multifaceted and multicontent social structure of contemporary society. The human factor plays a fundamental role in consensus, as moral values are crucial in conflict resolution. Social conflicts arise from the balance created between human nature and morality, reflecting the results of broader societal and state struggles. Ultimately, the achievement of consensus in social conflicts is a product of human moral and value-oriented consciousness.