Albert Einstein’s 1949 essay "Why Socialism?" remains a provocative text for rethinking education in an era defined by artificial intelligence (AI) and extreme climate change. This paper argues that Einstein’s critique of capitalism’s inequities and his call for a planned, cooperative society offer a vital framework for fostering global citizenship among diverse learners. As AI reshapes work and climate crises exacerbate emotional and social vulnerabilities, traditional educational models often fail to address the psychological and ethical demands of these challenges. Drawing on Marxist critical pedagogy, this study reinterprets Einstein’s insights as a pedagogical tool to cultivate collective resilience, solidarity, and critical consciousness among higher education students worldwide. The paper explores how "Why Socialism?" can be integrated into curricula to bridge learner diversity—spanning cultural, economic, and technological divides—while addressing the emotional and cognitive impacts of AI-driven automation and environmental collapse. By analyzing Einstein’s emphasis on collective responsibility, it proposes experiential learning strategies that encourage students to confront systemic injustices and imagine sustainable futures. This approach not only enhances cognitive development through critical thinking but also nurtures emotional growth by connecting personal agency to global crises. In an age where AI amplifies both opportunity and alienation, and climate change tests human adaptability, Einstein’s socialist vision offers a timeless yet urgent lens for education. Hence, this paper intends to demonstrate how historical texts can inspire innovative, inclusive learning experiences that prepare students for a radically uncertain world.

Authors:
David Michael San Juan, De La Salle University, Philippines

About the Presenter(s)
Dr David Michael San Juan is a University Professor/Principal Lecturer at De La Salle University/Division I (Governmental, Educational, and International Policies), National Research Council of the Philippines in Philippines

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