The Philosophical Notion of Participation: Inclusion of the Marginalized

The word participation, in its philosophical notion, expands horizons beyond the everyday usage of the word suggesting that participation in its philosophical context means to “to allow the expression of alternate views.”

Compare this to the understanding of participation in other contexts.

According to dictionary.com, participation is “an act or instance of participating”, “the fact of taking part, as in some action or attempt”, a “sharing, as in benefits or profits” or “of or pertaining to a venture characterized by more than one person, bank, or company participating in risk or profit.”

In the article entitled, "Different Approaches to Participation", philosophical participation works in conjunction with functional participation that “increases efficiency and effectiveness of research and development.” It also includes empowering participation that tends to “to increase the independence, awareness and capacity of marginalized groups.”

According to this article, there are three kinds of motives, philosophical, functional and empowering.

Functional participation motives “are those concerned with the efficiency and effectiveness of research and development, and are the main driving force behind the efforts of many governments to improve participation.”

Empowering motives “are concerned with participation as an end in itself and are closely linked to democratic processes”.

Philosophical motives “have explored the understanding of knowledge and knowledge systems between formal science and indigenous culture, and tried to encourage a greater interaction between them.”

Continual progress requires ongoing research and development, but this is not possible without some degree of participation from others, globally. People have to become involved beyond the level of mere awareness with no response or a response of mere complacency.

Mutual inter-active, proactive participation effects transition. Functionality and empowerment, in conjunction with philosophical participation alone, are not sufficient. Positivity generated in conjunction with care and compassion for others particularly with respect to minorities, breaks down barriers and encourages active participation.

Abandoned, recklessly emblazoned trails of development and progress, carved without care and compassion for others can leave marginalized communities and countries disillusioned with feelings of frustration, hopelessness and helplessness.

The philosophical notion of participation includes the marginalized in such a way that this does not happen. 

Note that the philosophical notion of participation does not imply the accumulation of wealth or acquisitions by greed. When research and development results in prosperity, it is prosperity for all.

Research and development tend to go in many different directions, at times, in terms of temporary investment with the expectation of a later profit. In the meantime, marginalized people should not have to suffer. Ideally, there is a greater vision leading research and development to new horizons that includes the philosophical notion of participation.