Néo-Phare

Néo-Phare (French: Nouveau Phare, lit. "New Lighthouse") is a neologism, primarily used in speculative fiction and critical theory, to describe a concept or system intended to serve as a beacon or guiding principle for a future society, often following a period of perceived societal collapse or significant transformation. The term implies a deliberate effort to establish a new order, offering direction and stability in the face of uncertainty.

The "lighthouse" metaphor suggests that the Néo-Phare provides illumination and warns against potential dangers, guiding individuals and communities toward a desired path. However, the "néo" prefix also carries connotations of novelty and potential artificiality, implying that the Néo-Phare is a constructed ideology or system, rather than an organically evolved tradition. This artificiality can be viewed as either a positive attribute, representing a conscious effort to improve upon past shortcomings, or as a negative one, indicating a potentially rigid and oppressive imposition of a new order.

The concept of a Néo-Phare often appears in narratives exploring themes of post-apocalyptic reconstruction, utopian or dystopian societies, and the ethical considerations of social engineering. It can represent a wide range of proposed solutions, from technological advancements and philosophical systems to political movements and religious revivals. The effectiveness and desirability of the Néo-Phare are typically central to the narrative, highlighting the potential benefits and dangers of seeking to deliberately shape the future.