Research requires an open society
The name Open Civitas refers to a simple but fundamental idea: serious scientific inquiry and an open society depend upon each other.
The concept is inspired in particular by Karl Popper’s defence of the open society and of critical rationalism. Knowledge advances not because particular persons, institutions or doctrines possess final truth, but because propositions can be examined, criticised and, where necessary, rejected or improved.
Open Civitas therefore regards scientific theories as provisional explanations rather than doctrines to be defended. A theory should formulate its concepts and propositions sufficiently clearly to make criticism possible. Where empirical evidence contradicts a proposition, the appropriate response is not to protect the theory from criticism but to investigate whether it must be modified or abandoned.
The same openness is important beyond science. Citizens can participate meaningfully in society only when competing explanations, values and political proposals can be articulated, examined and challenged. An open society therefore requires more than formal political institutions. It requires intellectual space for disagreement, criticism and the examination of established assumptions.
Open Civitas does not promote a political party, ideology or programme. Its research may examine political ideas, movements, institutions and conflicts, but its scientific task is analytical: to describe and explain the mechanisms through which ideas and social arrangements arise, acquire legitimacy and power, reproduce themselves and change.
Its publications are intended to contribute to that process by making research publicly accessible and open to criticism.