The Philosophical Concept of the Public Good and the Blockchain Dilemma
Vali Mohammad Ahmadvand · سالنامه دارالمعلمین عالی · 2024
Aristotle defined the public good as the pursuit of actions in the best possible way, which necessitates prioritizing human institutions, science, technology, and rational decision-making within political structures.This framework aims to create conditions where justice is optimally realized in society.Blockchain, often seen as a testament to the dominance of modern sciences over politics, holds the potential to advance the public good in both social and political spheres.However, this potential is accompanied by significant risks, encapsulating what can be termed the "blockchain dilemma."Blockchain presents two distinct possibilities in relation to the state.On one hand, it has the capacity to weaken state sovereignty by transcending national boundaries, reducing governmental oversight, and-through the creation of cryptocurrencies-undermining the state's control over its most powerful economic tool: money.On the other hand, blockchain technology offers a pathway to achieving the public good more effectively, bringing the concept of an ideal state closer to reality.By leveraging modern technologies, governments could enhance core functions such as accountability and service delivery, ultimately improving bureaucratic and democratic standards.