The Stone Philosopher

What the world needs is not philosophers of truth-molesting consensus, but philosophers with a conscience

- Irfan Ahmad

IF dominant powers of the current world (dis)order become its followers in the future, the Palestinians-who the power-happy media dehumanisingly call "terrorists"-may well emerge as heroes. Dubbed as "terrorists" in 1908, the British regime hanged the young anti-colonial activist, Khudiram Bose; with India's independence in 1947, Bose had become an official hero.

Israel justifies its ongoing assault against Gaza as "retaliation" to the "terrorist" attack by Hamas on October 7. This narrative elevates October 7 as the benchmark to rationalise Israel's wanton murder of over 12,000 Palestinians-more than 50 per cent among them are children and women-against the 1,200 Israelis killed by Hamas.

Germany's Jürgen Habermas, considered the most prominent living philosopher and engaged in defending "the project of modernity and universalism", exactly echoed this Israeli line. On November 13, Habermas issued a statement with the following key points.

First, "the current situation" is 'created by Hamas'...atrocity". Second, Israel's "retaliation" against Hamas is "justified". Third, worried not about planetary justice, but Germany's (inter) national image, Habermas rushes to say that its "democratic ethos" "oriented toward...human dignity" rests on "a political culture for which Jewish life and Israel's right to exist are" central due to crimes of the Nazi era. With the mention of Palestinians only once, it is clear how their lives, traditions and dreams have little-if any-value for Habermas.

Upon examining these points, let's note that Habermas' past is fascist; in many ways, he was a führer. Aged 10, he joined Hitler Youth. Manning anti-aircraft defences during WWII, he fought against the allies. The third point, therefore, is linked also to Habermas' youth.

Deafening Silence about Settler Colonialism