End of Worlds-World of Ends

This publication stems from a longstanding seminar held at the Institute of Education and Communication Research, formerly known as the College of Social Studies. The seminar, titled Human being in contemporary science, brought together experts from various fields and institutions, both from Poland and internationally, to engage in interdisciplinary discussions. Recently, one of the seminar's focal points has been the rapid social and cultural shifts driven by the digitalisation of many aspects of modern life. This ongoing transformation is often described in terms of Industry 4.0 or Society 5.0, reflecting the transition towards a post-digital or super-smart society.

The changes ushered in by digitalisation are vast and profound, echoing the revolutionary impact of previous societal shifts such as the industrial revolution. These labels, like the fourth industrial revolution, signify a major departure from past eras, covering the evolution from hunting and farming societies to our current informational age, and now, into a new post-digital era. This recognition of drastic change evokes mixed responses; there is a feeling of an era ending, yet simultaneously, there is excitement about the new possibilities and paths for development. This duality is captured in the seminar's title, End of Worlds World of Ends, indicating that while certain elements of our world may be fading, they also herald future developments.