Openness as a Social and Philosophical Task

  • Jurate Morkuniene The Lithuanian Institute of Philosophy and Sociology, Vilnius
Keywords: open society, open personality, social identity, close society, social anomies

Abstract

Today openness is the most important problem in political, social and philosophical thought in Lithuania. It is identified with Western civilization or "return to Europe". The definition of an open society includes primarily the problem of social identity. This, in turn, means looking for ways and opportunities by which to achieve social development and improve living conditions. At present, the main danger to personal identity lies in unfavorable conditions and underdevelopment.

A modern strategy to ensure an open society and personality would be largely based on the principle that every citizen is part of openness, i.e. is an active member.

Evolution from a closed to an open society requires a philosophy of openness.

References

Dahrendorf R., The Modern Social Conflict: An Essay on the Politics Liberty, Berkeley−Los Angeles: University of California Press 1990.

Havel V., Laiskas Gustavui Husakui, [in:] Kas zmogaus galioje, Vilnius: Vaga 1995, p. 13-39.

Havel V., Begaliu galybe, ibidem, p. 40-106.

Lithuanian Human Development Report, 1999, Vilnius: UNDP 1999.

Mamardachvili M., La responsibilité européenne, [in:] Europe sans rivage: De l'identité culturelle européenne: Symposium international, Paris: Albin Michel 1988, p. 201-205.

Mobility of Scientists in Lithuania: Internal and External Brain Drain, Vilnius 1996.

Popper K., The Open Society and Its Enemies, London: Routledge 1995.

Published
2020-10-15
Section
Articles