Philosophy and Leadership: An Evolution of Leadership from Ancient Times to the Digital Age

Philosophy and Leadership is an ambitious exploration of leadership’s philosophical underpinnings from antiquity to the AI-driven future. The book journeys through history, gleaning insights from eminent philosophers and contextualizing their teachings to leadership.

The book’s foundational premise lies in the symbiosis of philosophy and leadership. Philosophy provides the ＂why＂ that drives the practices and decisions in leadership. This intricate connection is unfolded from the teachings of Confucius on virtue and ethics to the contemporary dialogues of Judith Butler on leadership identity. The book also delves into the evolution of leadership concepts through various eras--medieval times highlighting religious and scholastic perspectives, the Renaissance juxtaposing Machiavellian pragmatism with More’s utopian ideals, and the Enlightenment era underscoring the importance of duty, skepticism, and rationality. An exciting aspect of the narrative is the amalgamation of evolution and leadership. By drawing parallels between Darwin’s natural selection and leadership dynamics or Bergson’s vitalism and intuitive leadership, the authors present a merger of biological evolution with leadership’s ever-evolving paradigms. Finally, the concluding chapters reside in envisioning the future and reflect upon the impending synergy between AI and leadership. They emphasize the importance of amalgamating philosophical wisdom with the promises and challenges brought about by AI.

The book will guide readers from the philosophical epochs of yore to the AI-predicted leadership paradigms of the future. By intertwining the enduring wisdom of philosophers with the dynamic nature of leadership, this book serves as a beacon for anyone aspiring to lead in any era.

Lukasz Sulkowski is a professor of economic sciences and a professor of humanities specializing in higher education management, methodology of social sciences, HRM, organizational culture and identity. He is Vice-Rector of WSB University in Dabrowa Gornicza in Poland. He heads the Department of Higher Education Institutions Management at the Jagiellonian University and is also a professor at Clark University.

Zdzislawa Dacko-Pikiewicz holds a postdoctoral degree in Business & Management. She is a Professor at WSB University in Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland; Rector of WSB University. She is an author or co-author of 70 publications published in international monographs and journals and of scientific projects, research and expert opinions. She has over 25 years of experience in holding top managerial positions in HEI and consulting activities.

Katarzyna Szczepańska-Woszczyna holds a postdoctoral degree in Economic Sciences. She is a Professor at WSB University in Dąbrowa Górnicza, Vice Rector for Science and Education at WSB University and Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences. She is an author or co-author of 120 publications or excerpts in publications. She is also a Member of the board ＂Excellent Science＂ at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education (Poland); Member of the Polish Accreditation Committee for the term 2020-2023 appointed by Minister of Science and Higher Education.