In his presentation, Marina, who defines himself as part of a group of "mental immunologists," explained that we are surrounded by "mental pathogens" similar to biological ones. These pathogens, which he divided into fake news, mental viruses, and frameworks of foolishness, weaken our immune system, making us more vulnerable to manipulation.
The thinker pointed out that "fake news" is the "most elementary mental virus" and that its current sophistication makes it difficult to distinguish. He stressed the need for society to "rearm" with strong institutions and for educational systems to foster "critical thinking" to verify information before believing it.
“"Fake news are the most elementary mental viruses."
As a general "vaccine" against these pathogens, Marina proposed strengthening "basic problem-solving skills" and "critical thinking." In this regard, he emphasized the importance of developing from childhood the ability to identify and confront problems, a competence that should be integrated at all educational levels.
Addressing the issue of peace, the philosopher expressed skepticism about whether we truly "want peace," citing the Latin poet Juvenal and suggesting that a "long peace" can breed complacency and weaken the ability to face conflicts. He warned about the danger of "authoritarianisms" and people "obsessed with power," mentioning Donald Trump's statements about unlimited power as an example.
Marina called to "abandon pessimism" and stimulate "optimism," recalling that "we all live thanks to optimists" who fought for causes like universal education or gender equality.
Regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI), he declared himself "clearly a defender of technology" but "fearful of those who use technology." He warned about the use of AI by "tremendously large power centers" and cited Elon Musk's initiative to launch thousands of artificial satellites to control global communications as a reason to "tremble."
The thinker also defended adolescence as a "culturally created stage for educational purposes" and advocated for "developing the specific talent of adolescents," giving them responsibility and teaching them to face their problems, rather than "taking away all responsibility".
Finally, to prevent "human stupidity," Marina reiterated the need to apply a "vaccine" that strengthens the ability to react to sources of foolishness, through the development of "executive functions" such as problem-solving, freedom, willpower, and critical thinking, systematically throughout the educational process.
