It’s clear you’ve put a lot of thought into the foundations of your project, and it’s exciting that you’re drawn to philosophy for its ability to explore abstract theories while remaining relevant to contemporary issues.
While I am no expert and do not hold a 'Doctor of Philosophy,' I have been studying various ideas over the past decade. Allow me to make a small effort to be useful. You will see a few ideas from other discussions in other threads.
You could examine how preclassical-to-classical Indian and Greco-Roman philosophies conceptualized justice and ethics, and how these ideas either resonate with or diverge from modern philosophical and legal frameworks. Furthermore, you might explore whether these early philosophies provided a proto-foundation for modern pluralistic legal systems, connecting ancient ideals with contemporary challenges in law and governance. This approach could leverage your expertise in the legal field.
My conviction is that true philosophers seek truth at all levels and are not confined by rigid beliefs. You might begin by examining your own belief system, then investigate the philosophical foundations of beliefs and how beliefs underpin different schools of thought. A comparative study of the East and West could help uncover the harm that unfounded beliefs have caused, particularly in the Indian context. This topic, however, may or may not align with your interests.
Studying Ramakrishna Paramahansa could provide a lens through which to understand how colonial encounters redefined Indian philosophy—blending traditional spiritual philosophies with modern political thought. You might explore the philosophical implications of adopting Western ideals within Indian traditions during colonialism and whether this syncretism continues to shape post-colonial thought and policy.
You could analyze the influence of classical philosophy on the development of legal frameworks in colonial and post-colonial societies (e.g., how Greco-Roman and Indian philosophies informed colonial law). This would allow you to bridge the abstract with the practical by examining how philosophical principles have evolved or persisted in governance, law, and political systems—linking it back to your legal studies.
Another potential avenue is to use classical Indian and Greco-Roman philosophical concepts (e.g., dharma versus natural law) to critique modern philosophical assumptions about justice, equality, or governance. You might relate these critiques to pressing global issues such as climate justice, social inequality, or ethical governance, rooting your analysis in historical-philosophical foundations.
Since you mentioned wanting to keep effects and solutions concise, your thesis could primarily take the form of a deep philosophical exploration, concluding with a brief reflection on how these ideas could inform current societal or legal challenges.
Finally, the topic of most interest to me is the evolving effect of AI on humanity. We remain ill-prepared in terms of legal frameworks. For example, if someone has an AI agent, should it enjoy the same freedoms—such as freedom of speech—or other privileges? If so, in cases of major liability, who would be held accountable?
Thus, the aforementioned topics could be amended to include an AI focus, making your work highly relevant for the coming decades.
You could explore the philosophical implications of delegating critical decisions (e.g., in healthcare or legal judgments) to AI systems. A comparison of classical ethical frameworks (e.g., utilitarianism, deontology) with modern challenges posed by AI decision-making processes would be illuminating.
Investigating how AI-supported living impacts individual autonomy and agency could also be a worthwhile endeavor. You might analyze whether AI enhances or diminishes human freedom, drawing on philosophical theories of autonomy and free will, while also examining the origins of the free will concept in Indian thinking.
Another area to consider is the role of AI in creating or perpetuating biases within legal and social systems. You could use comparative philosophy to critique the ethical challenges of AI in governance and law enforcement.
A fascinating question would be whether AI systems could ever be considered "persons" with rights and responsibilities. To explore this, you could compare classical Indian and Western philosophical views on consciousness and selfhood.
You might also study how AI reshapes human relationships and communities in AI-supported living environments. This transformation could be analyzed through the lens of post-colonial philosophy or cultural exchange theories.
Finally, you could investigate the philosophical dimensions of existential risks posed by AI, such as loss of privacy, surveillance, or even human obsolescence. For example, how was the concept of privacy regarded in ancient India, and what is its status today?
Wish you all the best!
