Open Society Research Articles

Evolving information landscape: ICT's influence on societal digitalisation

The establishment of a human-centered, open, and development-oriented information society is a prevailing objective for a significant number of nations worldwide. A key priority among the majority of countries is the construction of an information society that facilitates the creation, collection, access, utilization, and exchange of information and knowledge. The process of society's digitalization plays a vital role in enabling individuals to realize their maximum capabilities, actively contribute to both social and personal development, and ultimately enhance their overall quality of life. The primary objective of this article is to characterize the current intricacies surrounding the development of the information sphere. Furthermore, it seeks to elucidate the theoretical and practical aspects regarding the influence of specific information and communication technologies on the pervasive trend of digitalization within social processes on a global scale. The study employed analytical and bibliographic methods to examine the scientific literature on the development of information and communication technologies (ICTs). Additionally, comparative, logical, and linguistic methods were utilized to facilitate analysis. Methodological approaches such as abstraction, idealization, deduction, induction, synthesis, information analysis, and systemic and structural methods were employed to study and process data. Furthermore, the authors conducted an online questionnaire survey as a practical means to address significant aspects concerning the development of the information sphere. The study successfully identified the primary theoretical aspects of the digitalization of social processes, focusing on the key issues at hand. Additionally, an examination was conducted to analyze the dynamics of scholars' perspectives concerning crucial aspects of this subject matter.

The Influence of Enlightenment Ideas on Human Progress and Well-Being

The Influence of Enlightenment Ideas on Human Progress and Well-Being

From old to modern socio-cultural transformation in Oman in the novel of Sayyidātul Qomar by Jukhah Al-Hāriṡy

This study aims to describe the aspects of socio-cultural transformation from old to modern and to explain the process of socio-cultural change in Oman through Sayyidātul Qomar's novel by using a socio-cultural approach and socio-cultural theory by Koentjaningrat. The object of this research is the novel Sayyidātul Qomar by Jukhah Al-ḥāriṡy, which was published by the publisher Dār al-Ādāb in 2010 in Beirut, Lebanon. The method used in this research is a descriptive qualitative method using data collection techniques in the form of a literature study. The results showed that the aspects of socio-cultural transformation that occurred in Oman in the novel were the religious/belief system, society, education/knowledge, economy, government and technology, and life equipment. The process of socio-cultural transformation from old to modern is divided into two, namely, the driving factors for the transformation and the problems/conflicts in the transformation process. These driving factors include political factors (changes in the power system), economic crises (trade crises), feminism (women's struggles for their rights as women), and open society systems (birth of new generations). These problems/conflicts include the conflict between science and the supernatural, the rebels and the Omani government, the human world and the Jinn, and the enslaver and enslaved person.

SOCIOCULTURAL ASPECTS IN KARL POPPER'S PHILOSOPHY IN THE CONTEXT OF MODERN EDUCATION

In this article, the author explores the philosophy of Karl Popper through its socio-cultural implications for modern education. Using the Popperian criteria of critical rationalism and the concept of an open society, as well as his method of social engineering, the author demonstrates the significance of these ideas for the transformation of education and pedagogy in modern times.

The Dilemma of Free Speech: Confrontations and Restrictions in Pakistan

In Pakistan, the pursuit of freedom of expression encounters a complex landscape marked by aspirations for an open society and significant challenges and restrictions. This article explores the multifaceted dilemma of free speech in Pakistan, addressing the tensions between individual liberties, societal norms, political interests, and security concerns. Legal constraints, particularly blasphemy laws and defamation statutes, hinder free expression, while political dynamics, including authoritarian governance and the influence of religious extremism, exacerbate confrontations and restrictions. Journalists face threats and harassment, and the digital sphere is subject to increased censorship. Societal attitudes rooted in religious conservatism, honor culture, and patriarchal structures perpetuate self-censorship and conformity. Despite these challenges, voices of resistance persist, including civil society organizations and human rights activists advocating for pluralism and accountability. The research aims to analyze the legal, political, social, and cultural factors shaping the dilemma of free speech in Pakistan, highlighting the need to address root causes, foster dialogue, and promote tolerance for progress towards a more open and inclusive society.

Intelligence in international society: An English school perspective on the ‘five eyes’

AbstractDespite the recent prominence of intelligence in post‐Ukraine global policy, it is a Cinderella in international relations studies. Using English School (ES) theorisation, we locate intelligence within the constellation of primary and secondary institutions in international society. Through looking at the Five Eyes, we explore where intelligence sits within widespread claims of a crisis of the post‐1945 liberal international order (LIO) and what role intelligence plays in diplomacy, war and great power management in the context of shifting global power dynamics. Following major twenty‐first century Western intelligence controversies, we argue against raison d'état approaches and for raison de système thinking. In the face of claims of a new Cold War between Russia, China and the West, we see an urgency for policymakers in open societies to re‐think intelligence from an international society perspective that is realistic and normative, and that pays attention to Global South dynamics. Insulating intelligence from politicisation is more important than ever but does not mean that intelligence is a value‐neutral government function.

The philanthropic privatization of supranational justice?

Abstract In European Human Rights Justice and Privatisation, Gaëtan Cliquennois illustrates how a handful of tax-exempt philanthropic foundations, predominantly American, have redefined European courts to further their commercial agenda. Foundations such as the Open Society and Ford Foundation finance activist non-governmental organizations to carry out litigation that promotes the philanthropies’ preferred policy objectives, notably exemplified by systematic disregard for socio-economic human rights, which conflict with neoliberal principles. This review essay suggests that a deeper understanding of these dynamics can be achieved by moving beyond the philanthropic facade to view these benefactors not merely as neoliberals exploiting tax breaks for their lobbying activities, but more broadly as oligopolists converting their immense wealth into considerable non-majoritarian political power. Cliquennois’s findings reveal a situation less reminiscent of a “new Cold War” in lawfare, as he puts it, indicating a balanced contest, but rather a comprehensive Kulturkampf weaponizing supranational courts to undermine traditional Christian values and national sovereignty. Cliquennois encourages us to scrutinize the genuine philanthropic nature of these organizations, and, importantly, to assess their real effect on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

REFLEXIVE ACTIVITY AS A TOOL FOR IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION

The article examines the problem of the quality of education in the open society, which is gaining new momentum. After all, quality education is currently the key to determining competition in the domestic and foreign markets on the path to creating a New Kazakhstan. It also reveals the importance of reflective activities to improve the strategy for developing the quality of education in the conditions of creating a new Kazakhstan. The study of reflexive activity based on the concept of a “listening state” allows us to analyze the educational activities of higher educational institutions in accordance with the interests of the individual, society and the state. The article, based on quantitative and qualitative analysis of the results of reflective reports of students of higher educational institutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan, identifies such indicators as methods of motivating teachers, methods of stimulating professional growth, cognitive aspects, emotional mood and pleasure, and also structures students’ opinions regarding the actions and attitudes of teachers. It is noted that students' opinions about the quality of education largely depend on themselves, their perceptions and ability to reflect on their actions. Therefore, we can say with confidence that reflective activity is the main factor not only in personal development, but also in improving the quality of education

Laicità e partecipazione politica

Legal secularism and political participation
 ABSTRACT: As is well known, the Italian term ‘laicità’ is polysemic and cannot be adequately translated into English. The word ‘secularism’, in fact, only captures certain senses of ‘laicità’. Ultimately, we are dealing with a very complex phenomenon that surely cannot be analyzed with a dichotomic black and white concept. In this paper we are mainly interested in highlighting legal secularism, understood as neutrality. However, we must pay attention to the fact that liberal neutrality, understood as mutual tolerance and impartiality of institutions, is a “committed neutrality” which deeply differs from Max Weber’s uncommitted neutrality to which scientists aspire. On the other hand, the ideal of legal secularism comes into harsh conflict with the partisan spirit that characterizes political life. Democracy is not only respect for rules, but must come to terms with the citizens’ variegated senses of belonging to this or that community. As they say: “My country, right or wrong”. Precisely because of these limits to rational discourse, we believe that legal secularism, in a broad sense, is not fully achievable even in an open society.
 SOMMARIO: 1. L’individuazione del tema che verrà affrontato - 2. Laicità, una nozione complessa - 3. (segue) Tre concetti di laicità - 4. (segue) La neutralità degli scienziati e la neutralità delle istituzioni laico-liberali - 5. (segue) La così detta “scienza del diritto”: un ideale sulla via del tramonto - 6. Partecipazione e appartenenza - 7. (segue) Il fascino duraturo della democrazia diretta e la ritrosia del laico - 8. (segue) Il successo delle argomentazioni fallaci quale fenomeno collettivo - 9. Concludendo: i pregi e i limiti della ragione laica.

FORM AND FUNCTION OF PENDHAPA (TRADITIONAL JAVANESE HALL) IN JAVANESE SOCIETY

Pendhapa in this paper is traditional Javanese hall. Form and function of Pendhapa have a characteristic. The discussion of Pendhapa in this paper is more emphasis on form and function in build communication in the Javanese people. It shows on its form and functions of the pendhapa. The method of this research is a qualitative research. We use observation, in depth interview, and content analysis. The research found that pendhapa generally shaped Joglo, and is the only house that is owned by the noble persons. Joglo is in square a with four -poster as the main pillar. The four pillars support the roof towering in the middle. The main pillar in the Joglo house often called Saka Guru. And the roof in the middle of Joglo house is called the roof Brunjung. Pendhapa initially serves as a gathering place and deliberation. Pendhapa in the place of social interaction between citizens to know each other. In Traditional Javanese house, Pendhapa often called front home and serves as a living room. Pendhapa often also called open room or public room. However, in its development Pendhapa can function as a social communication space or can also called as a social communication media. It is associated with the development of the culture and lifestyle of the people in the open society.

The right to freedom of expression and its limitations according to Albanian legislation

Abstract The right to freedom of expression, not without purpose provided for in the first amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America, is one of the main basic rights on which modern democratic states were founded. The enjoyment of this freedom is closely related to a series of other equally basic rights, such as freedom of belief, freedom of organization, the right not to be harassed for personal opinions, the freedom to be attached to a certain political party, etc (Salvatore, 2019). The right to freedom of expression is one of the oldest freedoms that arose as a result of freedom of religion, mentioned by the first Christian writers during the II-III century, and then during the conflicts between Catholics and Protestants in the centuries XVI-XVII. On the other hand, it was encouraged and elaborated by the great theorists of the freedom of scientific research (just think of Descartes and Galileo) and of political freedom (such as Milton). Later, the right of Freedom of Expression was elaborated by philosophers of the XVIII-XIX centuries such as Voltaire, Fichte, Benthan. In this sense, John Stuart Mill said that freedom of expression protects us from corrupt power, tyranny, and this freedom is one of the basic guarantees for an open and pluralistic society (Mihajllova, Bacovaska and Shekerxhiev, 2013). Since the circulation of ideas is a prerequisite for the communication of thought, the freedom of expression or manifestation of thought has always been considered by Italian constitutional jurisprudence as the cornerstone of the democratic system (Bin and Pitruzzella, 2012). Main objective of this manuscript is the analysis of the Albanian legislation and jurisprudence about the freedom of expression.

Initial Teacher Education for Social Justice in South Africa: A Higher Education Policy Perspective

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa envisions a socially just society where all citizens enjoy fundamental human rights. Education is regarded as significant in realizing social justice (SJ). Hence, South African education policy is underpinned by the conviction that teachers are drivers of societal change and instrumental in creating a socially just society. It is therefore expected that initial teacher education (ITE) programs to train prospective teachers will be infused with knowledge, competencies, values and attitudes to develop the dispositions that would facilitate social justice in a democratic and open South African society. In this desk-top study, we investigate the attributes and competencies promoted and advanced through the Minimum Requirements for Teacher Education Qualifications Policy (MRTEQ) (2015) concerning the training of prospective South African teachers for the realization of social justice. We gathered our data through a literature review and a policy analysis, and we drew from critical social theory (CST), which argues for social transformation, human emancipation, and capacitation to make sense of our findings. We found that the MRTEQ (2015) promotes and advances knowledge, contextual awareness, and critical pedagogy as significant attributes and competencies for realizing social justice through education and, more specifically, ITE. The implication is that all initial teacher programmes must be designed to equip prospective teachers with these attributes to contribute to realizing social justice and transforming society. Against this backdrop, specific recommendations are made to develop these attributes in prospective teachers.

Conditions regarding the application of the criminal law more favorable to the facts under trial

If one or more criminal laws have intervened from the commission of the crime to the final judgment of the case, the most favorable law shall be applied. When the previous criminal law is more favorable, the complementary punishments that have a counterpart in the new criminal law are applied in the content and limits provided by it, and those that are no longer provided in the new criminal law are no longer applied. The Criminal Code regulates only the situation between the commission of the crime and the final judgment of the case. If a change in the conditions of incrimination or prosecution that would lead to impunity would occur after the final judgment was pronounced, during the execution of the sentence or after execution, when it still produces certain consequences, the respective convicts would not be able to benefit from the application of the criminal law under the legal basis. Understanding the criminal law in a broad sense, as a norm that includes not only the norms that provide for criminalization and punishment, but all kinds of criminal norms, as well as those extra-criminal norms that the criminal law refers to and which have an impact on incrimination, criminal liability or punishment in the sense that they can remove, aggravate or mitigate them. To be justiciable does not only mean to answer before the court for the committed act, but also to benefit from a more favorable criminal law, so that a balance is established between criminal liability and the need to reintegrate into society a suspect/defendant/convict for the smooth running of an open society.

Comparison of Educational Development Trends in Ukraine and the World

The article examines the trends in the development of the educational system in recent years in Ukraine and the world in the context of neuropedagogy. Particular attention is paid to the factors that have influenced the strengthening of the role of education in the world, in particular, the strengthening of the state's interest in financing education. The article updates the inextricable connection between the country's economy and the level and quality of education. The author points out the advantages of education support systems in some advanced countries of the world, which can be used as a model experience for domestic educational reform, in particular due to the use of neuropedagogy. The most important trends in the development of education in the world educational space are analyzed. The author notes that the quarter-century experience of the 21st century civilization determines a number of trends according to which it should develop in the future. Among them, for example, the transition of most nations and cultures to market relations is leading in the economy; in politics - to democracy; in social communication - to tolerance; in the general organization of life activities - to an open society and models of sustainable human development, etc. Because education (and science), which prepares a person for independent life, shapes his view on the future development of civilization.

The evolution and transformation of youth entrepreneurship in China: a sociological analysis

The purpose of the article is to conduct a socio-historical study of the evolution and stages of the formation of youth entrepreneurship in China. The main problem is to identify and characterize the evolution and patterns that reveal the entrepreneurship of Chinese youth as a market mechanism that successfully functions in the conditions of the socialist economy of China. The object of the study is the entrepreneurial activity of young Chinese people. The subject of the study is the systematization of the stages of formation of youth entrepreneurship in various periods of transformation of Chinese society. The sources of information are scientific research carried out by Russian and Chinese researchers, as well as researchers from other countries. A comprehensive analysis of the sociodynamics of the development of youth entrepreneurship in China allows us to thoroughly and objectively identify and characterize the main systemic connections of this social phenomenon. The research methodology assumes a socio-historical analysis of the stages of the formation of youth entrepreneurship in China. A generalized analysis of the significant dependence of youth entrepreneurship on the general trends in the development of entrepreneurship in China as a social institution and the need for significant regulatory, organizational, educational efforts on the part of society and the state for its formation, maintenance and development is carried out. It is shown that at the stage of transition of Chinese society from subsistence farming to a planned economy (1945-1950), youth entrepreneurship was mainly spontaneous, non-institutional in nature and manifested itself as facts of entrepreneurial activity of individuals. The patriarchal way of life and rigid hierarchies of relations did not contribute to the development of entrepreneurial initiative of young people. At the second stage, in the process of transition to an industrial society (1951-1966), the centralization of the economy is increasing, and the main areas of activity of Chinese youth are directed to the political sphere, to the detriment of entrepreneurial initiatives in the economy. The third stage, the transition to an open society (1967-1978), is characterized by changes in the understanding of the political role of youth in society, the era after the Cultural Revolution laid the foundation for recognizing the important role of market foundations and youth entrepreneurship in the subsequent stages of China's development. The transition to a legal society (the fourth stage of the "Four Modernizations", after 1978), gives impetus to the development of youth entrepreneurship in China.

WHAT SHOULD INTELLIGENCE PRIORITIES BE GIVEN THE STATE OF HEGEMONIC INSTABILITY?

On November 15, 2023, Dr. Loch K. Johnson, Regents Professor Emeritus of Public and International Affairs at the University of Georgia, presented What Should Intelligence Priorities Be Given The State of Hegemonic Instability? for this year’s West Coast Security Conference. The presentation was followed by a question-and-answer period with questions from the audience and CASIS Vancouver executives. The key points discussed were the history of US intelligence prioritization, the need for increased attention towards universal threats, and the need for open societies to share intelligence tasking and findings with each other.
 
 Received: 01-12-2024
 Revised: 01-26-2024

CULTURAL AND SPIRITUAL VALUES OF EDUCATION OF FUTURE TEACHERS: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH

The article reveals the problem of preparing future teachers from the standpoint of axiological and humanistic approaches, which define education as an effective means of reviving national culture helping to foster socialization, self-organization, and personal responsibility; to lay the basics for would-be teachers to become guarantors of the civil world; to restore morality, social protection, and childhood protection; to show the way of becoming an open and democratic society. The areas of improvement of higher pedagogical education in the context of cultural and spiritual values of education are identified, which also include the education of a humanist teacher, professional, researcher, a citizen capable of effectively solving the tasks of teaching and educating schoolchildren in all areas of the educational system. Based on an interdisciplinary approach, the educational functions of pedagogical education and raising the status of education are determined. They include mastering the values of moral, civic, and spiritual culture of society and humanity, developing one's own attitude toward them; developing a value-meaningful attitude toward the teaching profession, and the actualization of the need to create oneself as a teacher and as a person; mastering pedagogical values, ideas as a part of humanitarian culture and universal human values and formation of a pedagogical worldview; forming civic positions of the individual, experience of protecting one's rights and compliance with the laws of a democratic society; developing intellectual and personal potential of students, their abilities and interests; developing spiritual and moral freedom of the individual, the ability to build one's life according to the laws of humanity.
 It is concluded that the cultural and spiritual values of the teacher, which act as mechanisms of education, define a humanistic position towards children, a positive attitude towards pedagogical activity, the need for personal and professional self-realization, spiritual and moral needs (the search for the meaning of life, mercy, the ability to help people), and the ability to work in dialogue forms.

Weighing the Cost: Open Access Article Processing Charges, Waivers, and Society Membership

Weighing the Cost: Open Access Article Processing Charges, Waivers, and Society Membership

Shaping new norms for AI.

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into our lives, the need for new norms is urgent. However, AI evolves at a much faster pace than the characteristic time of norm formation, posing an unprecedented challenge to our societies. This paper examines possible criticalities of the processes of norm formation surrounding AI. It focuses on how new norms can be established, rather than on what these norms should be. It distinguishes different scenarios based on the centralization or decentralization of the norm formation process, analysing the cases where new norms are shaped by formal authorities or informal institutions, or emerge spontaneously in a bottom-up fashion. On the latter point, the paper reports a conversation with ChatGPT in which the LLM discusses some of the emerging norms it has observed. Far from seeking exhaustiveness, this article aims to offer readers interpretive tools to frame society's response to the growing pervasiveness of AI. An outlook on how AI could influence the formation of future social norms emphasizes the importance for open societies to anchor their formal deliberation process in an open, inclusive and transparent public discourse. This article is part of the theme issue 'Social norm change: drivers and consequences'.

The Right to Enjoy Cultural Assets

The right to cultural enjoyment holds great importance within the framework of open, plural and democratic societies. As is generally agreed, even though the state not only guarantees but also encourages access to cultural goods and cultural heritage, it is not positioned to condition this enjoyment through adopting aesthetic, philosophical or ideological guidelines. Such has often been ignored in the past, especially during the Classical and Enlightenments periods as well as blatantly under the dictatorships that prevailed in parts of the 20th century, for example the National Socialist labelling of degenerate art. However, should democracy, even cultural democratization, prevent the conditioning of any aesthetic, philosophical or ideological nature, it is no less true that the right to cultural enjoyment, protected by public policies, is never limited to guaranteeing access to cultural heritage. It implies providing and raising the conditions for better and more appropriate cultural enjoyment. Furthermore, there is a dynamic aspect to the aforementioned cultural valorization that fosters interventions aimed at qualifying and avoiding degradation as well as those dimensions designed to involve civil society, for example patronage, cooperation and exchange.