In 2021, protests erupted in Iran due to several factors, including political, economic, and existential reasons. Dr Aref Rezazadeh explores the role of existential philosophy in these protests and its potential impact on the future.
Existentialists believe that the awareness of death is a fundamental aspect of the human condition, which can lead to fear and anxiety. This fear may have caused some individuals to withdraw from protests due to the potential threat of violence or imprisonment by the government. Additionally, the lack of hope for change and the belief that their efforts would be futile contributed to the fading of street protests.
Furthermore, existentialists argue that individuals have the freedom to create meaning in life despite the challenges posed by suffering and injustice. However, the pain and suffering inflicted on protesters may have caused some to avoid further harm and stop protesting altogether.
Other factors that contributed to the reduction of protests include the government’s use of violence and intimidation, the lack of unity among protesters, and the economic struggles faced by many Iranians.
It is important to note that although protests have decreased, smaller demonstrations have continued over the past few months and may increase in scale in the future. Ultimately, changes in Iran’s existential landscape may have contributed to the reduction of protests, but the complex nature of this phenomenon requires further exploration.
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