Doha Debates explores the role of ancient wisdom in today’s world
Doha Debates has delved into one of humanity’s most enduring questions — whether ancient wisdom holds the key to solving modern challenges — in a compelling new episode of its flagship debate series.
Moderated by Dareen Abughaida, the discussion brought together global scholars and students from across Qatar to explore whether the path forward for modern societies lies in rediscovering tradition or embracing new ideas.
The episode featured three distinguished thinkers: Wael Hallaq, the Avalon Foundation Professor in the Humanities at Columbia University; Sophie Scott-Brown, philosopher and historian of political thought at the University of St. Andrews; and Bruno Maçães, author of World Builders and former Secretary of State for European Affairs in Portugal.
Hallaq emphasized the need to revisit ethical and spiritual foundations rooted in divine wisdom, criticizing what he described as the “moral emptiness” of modernity and its obsession with material progress. “We have to look to the past, which is rich in resources, and we have to develop particular methods of thinking about it,” he said.
In contrast, Scott-Brown warned against romanticizing the past, urging participants to question how power and authority are often justified through tradition. “We need to be very careful about how much authority we give to claims that something is natural or historical,” she said. “We need to be very mindful of the politics behind it.”
Offering a middle ground, Maçães argued that while modern societies must evolve, ancient traditions still offer valuable lessons. “Even if we don’t want to accept the solutions or the answers that are given by past traditions or societies, we have a lot to learn from them,” he noted.
The debate expanded into deeper questions of moral grounding and purpose, exploring how societies seek meaning — whether through sacred law, cultural heritage, or individual freedom.
Amjad Atallah, Managing Director of Doha Debates, said the discussion highlights the growing global search for ethical direction in uncertain times.
“Across civilizations, people are searching for moral direction in an age of uncertainty,” he said. “This debate challenges all of us to explore where we can find wisdom, meaning, and purpose in our lives.”
Filmed in Doha Debates’ signature Majlis-style format, the episode underscores the platform’s mission to spark open, truth-seeking conversations that bridge cultures and generations — reminding audiences that wisdom, whether ancient or new, is not merely inherited but continuously rediscovered and reimagined.
