Russian emigration in the works of Miroslav Jovanovic

Руска емиграција у радовима Мирослава Јовановића

Author(s): Aleksej J. Timofejev / Language(s): Serbian / Issue: 2-3/2014

Almost two-thirds of all scientific researches of the late prof. M. Jovanović were devoted to the study of problems concerning Russian emigrees. He managed to formulate a new methodological problem – the existence of the Russian emigration in the Balkans as separate entity linked by the common experiences in different demographic, migratory and cultural events. The argumented unification of the Russian emigration in the Balkans in the specific social and cultural group enabled to develop a special periodization of Russian emigrees. He noticed that the internal connections of Russian emigrants as well as their views and attitude towards their distant Motherland, being less public and obvious for Serbian society, were of primary importance for the Russian emigration as the unique social group. The rational approach of prof. M. Jovanovic was a very successful example of using methodological approaches of social history in new and unresearched areas of history.

Shaping of the rational view of the history of Serbian-Russian relations in the scientific work of Miroslav Jovanović

Уобличавање рационалног погледа на историју српско-руских односа у научном делу Мирослава Јовановића

Author(s): Miroslav Perišić / Language(s): Serbian / Issue: 2-3/2014

The article is about two books of Professor Miroslav Jovanović, in which he sets light to the Serbian-Russian relations and mutual perceptions of Serbs and Russians. Special attention is paid to Miroslav Jovanović’s effort to establish a rational and critical approach to Serbian-Russian relations, especially the Serbian perceptions of Russians and Russia, often lacking in the Serbian intellectual circles. The special quality of these two books is that they encompass a long interval of relations between the two nations: the first refers to nine centuries of common history, and the second to last 260 years. M. Jovanović aimed at presenting and explaining the entirety of relations between Serbs and Russians, but also to point out to misunderstandings, ignorance, misconceptions and stereotypes in mutual perceptions between the two nations. The article is concluded by M. Jovanović’s statement that Serbian ideas about Russians and Russia rarely correspond to the real situation and that the Serbian society and the Serbian intellectual elite not only does not know the real situation in Russia, but it also shows a substantial lack of interest for it. And since they do not represent a real image of Russia, the examples Miroslav Jovanović brought up in his books, could only be illustrations of Serbian self-image.

Where are we and where are we heading to?

Где се налазимо и куда идемо?

Author(s): Radivoj Radić / Language(s): Serbian / Issue: 2-3/2014

Professor Miroslav Jovanović was aware that the results of Serbian historiography have very limited impact on the world’s leading historiographies, but also that there is a wide gap between Serbian historiography and general orientations in the development of world historiography. Serbian historiography is in crisis and requires a fundamental rethinking. It is closed in “an ivory tower” of traditional positivism, it slaves to the description and it is consequently lagging behind in the methodological and theoretical development. Jovanović pointed out to the works with the notable scientific effort, whose authors unjustifiably interweave certain political beliefs and comments in their professional texts. He also commented on the works that can be regarded as scientific neither by scientific, professional, nor by the standards of scientific ethics. Serbian historiography is also largely characterized by fetishism of documents and lack of synthetic thought. One of the causes of the crisis in Serbian historiography rests on the fact that historians show extreme indifference towards theory of history, the development of theoretical thought and the theoretical and methodological development as well as the results of the other social sciences. And last but not the least, our historiography lacks serious scientific critic. Jovanović concluded that the Serbian historiography is still at the level of “accumulation” of historical knowledge and fails to climb a step higher, to a place which considers spread of historical learning.

Miroslav Jovanovic – Historian of Contemporaneity

Мирослав Јовановић – историчар садашњости

Author(s): Dubravka Stojanović / Language(s): Serbian / Issue: 2-3/2014

Miroslav Jovanović was rare figure among Serbian historians. This text is an analysis of his essay “Serbia 1804-2004. Development marked with discontinuities (seven thesis)”, published in the book that he had edited Serbia 1804-2004, Three perspectives or invitation to a dialogue. The book was the result of our work on the project Modern Serbian State 1804- 2004. A Chronology which was published for the jubilee of the First Serbian uprising. Working on that book we were discussing the most important phenomena of Serbian modern history and it was Jovanović s idea to publish the book of historical essays dealing with processes of long duree in Serbian past. His essay is the best example of his methodology which was the result of combined quantative method and theoretical approach. His knowledge of statistics, demography and economy were rare among Serbian historian and had helped him to come to the deeper conclusions. Those methodologies were in his work applied on long processes which helped him to focus on specific continuities and discontinuities in history.

Prosthetic memory and post-memory: cultural encounters with the past in designing a museum

Prosthetic memory and post-memory: cultural encounters with the past in designing a museum

Author(s): Mălina Ciocea,Alexandru Cârlan / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2015

Keywords: postmemory; prosthetic memory; remembrance practices; laboratory-museum of Communism

This paper investigates the sources of representations on the communist period and the type of engagement with the past in an experiential museum, in the context of the National Network of Romanian Museums’ project for a laboratory-museum of Romanian Communism. Our analysis of focus-groups in October-November 2012 explores the public’s expectations in terms of museum experience and engagement with objects and the potential of an experiential museum to facilitate deliberation about the past. We use the conceptual framework of recent studies on postmemory (Hirsch, 2008) and prosthetic memory (Landsberg, 2004, 2009) to focus on ways of building the experiential archive needed to produce prosthetic memory. We consider that such an analysis is relevant for two interconnected problems: the bidirectional relationship between a projected museum of communism and a prospective public, and the methodological insights available for investigating this relation. With regard to the first problem, this paper makes a case for treating museums as a memory device rather than a lieu de memoire and analyses the role of the museum in relation to cultural memory. With regard to the second problem, it offers an example of conducting research on prospective publics which departs from traditional marketing approaches, adopting theoretical insights and analytical categories from specific conceptualizations in the field of memory studies.

Painting Shades of Gray

Painting Shades of Gray

Author(s): Alexandra Zbuchea,Loredana Ivan / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2015

Keywords: communicating history; museums; history of communism; communism exhibition; Romania

Communication of sciences / arts lies at the core of a museum public activity. It is a special type of communication, meant to make the collections and the domain of the expertise of the museum accessible to a wide public in order to fulfill the special cultural and social role that museums have in the contemporary society. This cannot be achieved without the cooperation of visitors, as well as the museum stakeholders. For fruitful relationships, museums have to design their activity and public offer taking into account the characteristics as well as the interests of various segments of its audience. The present paper discusses the prerequisites for a successful museum exhibition. Special attention is given to designing an effective exhibition on the history of communism. By investigating the profile of the potential visitors for such an exhibition, the paper draws a framework to be considered when designing it. The discussion is timely, since in the last few years there are discussions and initiatives related with the establishment of a museum of communism.

Social Networking Websites Usage and Life Satisfaction

Social Networking Websites Usage and Life Satisfaction

Author(s): Valeriu Frunzaru,Mădălina Boţan / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2015

Keywords: social networking websites; Facebook; materialist values; life dissatisfaction

This paper attempts to analyze how materialist values mediate the relationship between time spent on social networking websites (SNW) and overall life satisfaction. Admittedly, younger generations spend more time on SNW compared to older generations, therefore we can anticipate that younger people are more affected by materialism and, consequently, less satisfied with their lives. The conceptual model proposed here was tested on a convenience sample of 390 Romanian adults. Using structural equation modeling, our findings validate the hypothesis that younger people spend more time on SNW; the SNW usage makes them more materialistic and, as a result, less satisfied with life. These findings raise ethical questions regarding the impact of SNW on overall life satisfaction. For example, Facebook, the most popular SNW in Romania, is a virtual social sphere where people become “friends”, give or receive “likes”, are “fans” of something or somebody, etc. Therefore, we argue that Facebook is a symbolical locus for quantitative manifestations of something intimate and private, like feelings or appreciations. Such materialist approach to friendship and relationships has a significant negative impact on life satisfaction.

The discursive construction of Romanian immigration in the British media

The discursive construction of Romanian immigration in the British media

Author(s): Bianca-Florentina Cheregi / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2015

Keywords: Media frames; migration; critical discourse analysis; stereotypes; nation brand

This paper looks at how the media – particularly the British press and television – frames the issue of Romanian immigrants in Great Britain, in the context of the freedom of movement for workers in the European Union. The study focuses on the frames employed by the British journalists in constructing anti-immigration discourses in the digital and the TV sphere, comparatively. This study analyzes the stereotypes about Romanian people used in two British media formats and the way in which they affect Romania’s country image overseas. Using a mixed research approach, combining framing analysis (Entman, 1993) with critical discourse analysis (Van Dijk, 1993), and dispositif analysis (Charaudeau, 2005) this article investigates 271 news items from three of the most read newspapers in the UK (The Guardian, Daily Mail and The Independent), published online during January 2013 – March 2014. Also, the paper analyzes three film documentaries from BBC (Panorama – The Romanians are Coming? – BBC1, The Truth About Immigration – BBC2 and The Great Big Romanian invasion – BBC World News). The analysis shows that the British press and television use both similar and different frames to coverage Romanian migrants. The media also infer the polarization between “Us” (the British media) and “Them” (the Romanian citizens).

Book review of Cultures of Mediatization by Andreas Hepp

Book review of Cultures of Mediatization by Andreas Hepp

Author(s): Saiona Stoian / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2015

Book review of Cultures of Mediatization by Andreas Hepp, Cambridge, Malden: Polity Press, 2012, 180 pages

Book review of The Emotions Industry edited by Mira Moshe

Book review of The Emotions Industry edited by Mira Moshe

Author(s): Nicoleta Corbu / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2015

Keywords: The Emotions Industry; Mira Moshe

Book review of The Emotions Industry edited by Mira Moshe, New York: Nova Publishers, 2014, 265 pages

The Relevance of Professor Edward Schillebeeckx, O.P. For the Twenty-First Century

Relevantnost profesora Edwarda Schillebeecksa za teologiju dvadesetprvog stoljeća

Author(s): Robert Schreiter / Language(s): Croatian / Issue: 43/2015

The twentieth century was a time of profound development and change in Catholic theology, a time that might only be compared with the thirteenth century in that regard. In the thirteenth century, theology shifted its locus from the monastery to the new universities in the burgeoning cities of Europe, and developed new methods for exploring divine truth. It gave us towering figures such as Thomas Aquinas and Bonaventure. In the twentieth, theology renewed itself by at once returning to its sources and by engaging a rapidly changing world. In that century that now lies just behind us, we see once again what makes for the most important advances in the theological articulation of faith: a rediscovery of the depths of Tradition, of the faith that has been handed down to us from the apostles; and its wrestling with the great issues that re-emerge in a time of change in society and the Church. .

Solidarity and Justice in Health Care. A Critical Analysis of their Relationship

Solidarity and Justice in Health Care. A Critical Analysis of their Relationship

Author(s): Ruud ter Meulen / Language(s): English / Issue: 43/2015

Keywords: solidarity; justice; health care policy; liberalism; rights to health care; recognition ethic of care; decency

This article tries to analyze the meaning and relevance of the concept of solidarity as compared to the concept of justice. While ‘justice’ refers to rights and duties (Moralität), the concept of solidarity refers to relations of personal commitment and recognition (Sittlichkeit). The article wants to answer the question whether solidarity and liberal justice should be seen as mutually exclusive or whether both approaches should be regarded as complementary to each other. The paper starts with an analysis of liberal theories of justice which are followed by an analysis of the descriptive and a moral understanding of the concept of solidarity. The importance of solidarity lies in its relational aspects, particularly its emphasis on cooperation and commonality. The paper argues that while solidarity is more fundamental than justice, both concepts are important for the arrangement of health care practices. The paper gives special attention to the concept of decent care, reflective solidarity and humanitarian solidarity which is seen as fundamental for all health care policies and care practices.

Solidarity and Health: A Public Goods Justification

Solidarity and Health: A Public Goods Justification

Author(s): Patricia Illingworth,Wendy E. Parmet / Language(s): English / Issue: 43/2015

Keywords: ter Meulen; solidarity; health; public good; healthcare; justice

This comment on Professor ter Meulen's paper, "Solidarity and Justice in Health Care," offers additional perspectives on solidarity's importance for health. Noting the findings of social epidemiology, the paper explains that health has important public good dimensions. It is both non-rivlalrous because one person's health does not diminish another's, and it is largely determined by non-excludable access goods, including social networks, social determinants, and public health efforts. The public good dimension of health underscores the mutual dependence and shared stake that people have with respect to health, and highlights the importance of coming together in solidarity for the sake of health. This is not to say that solidarity cannot also foster exclusionary tendencies; however, the recognition of mutual dependency with respect to health can foster an inclusive solidarity for the health of all people.

Justice and Solidarity: Compound, Confound, Confuse

Justice and Solidarity: Compound, Confound, Confuse

Author(s): Thomas Nys / Language(s): English / Issue: 43/2015

Keywords: justice; solidarity; critical theory; health care; health insurance

In response to Ruud ter Meulen’s contribution, it is argued that, although the relationship between these concepts is both tight and complex, solidarity should be carefully distinguished from justice. Although ter Meulen wants to defend a normative conception of solidarity, the relation to its descriptive component is not always very clear. As a normative concept it should not collapse into that of justice; and as a descriptive notion it is obviously defective. In order to successfully navigate between these unhappy alternatives, ter Meulen rightfully turns to critical theory. But then it is still not entirely clear how the normative considerations that ter Meulen wants to defend follow from this promising framework.

The Veil of Ignorance and Solidarity in Healthcare: Finding Compassion in the Original Position

The Veil of Ignorance and Solidarity in Healthcare: Finding Compassion in the Original Position

Author(s): Michał Zabdyr-Jamróz / Language(s): English / Issue: 43/2015

Keywords: veil of ignorance; solidarity; healthcare system; justice as fairness; John Rawls

In this paper I will juxtapose the concept of the veil of ignorance – a fundamental premise of Rawlsian justice as fairness – and solidarity in the context of the organisation of a healthcare system. My hypothesis is that the veil of ignorance could be considered a rhetorical tool that supports compassion solidarity. In the concept of the veil of ignorance, I will find some crucial features of compassion solidarity within the Rawlsian concept of “reciprocity” (actually, not being reciprocity at all) – located between “impartiality” and “mutual advantage”. I conclude that, even behind this “thick” veil, some essential, yet “particular” facts on health and wealth redistribution are available to decision makers. Lastly, I discover that by means of the assumption of self-interest in the original position the veil aims to convert egoism into empathy, thus invoking the solidarity of compassion that in turn could be translated into principles of the organisation of a healthcare system.

Is the Apeiron a Substrate? The First Criticism of Anaximander’s Monism and Its Methodological Background

Apeiron jako substrat? Najstarsza krytyka monizmu Anaksymandra oraz jej metodologiczne uwarunowania

Author(s): Maria Marcinkowska-Rosół / Language(s): Polish / Issue: 43/2015

Keywords: Anaximander; Apeiron; monism; Philoponus;Aristotle;

The article deals with the oldest criticism of Anaximander’s monism, for which we have evidence, found in John Philoponus’ (6th century A.D.) commentary on the first book of Aristotle’s Physics (In Ph. 88.24-89.2). Philoponus’ argumentation is analytically examined and explained, its premises brought to light and its conclusions evaluated. It is shown how his inquiry, although anticipating modern discussions about the classification of Anaximander’s doctrine in terms of ‘monism’ and ‘pluralism’, differs from the contemporary approach to the problem when it comes to both results and methodology.

Wittgenstein 1929-1930 – the Color Exclusion Problem

Wittgenstein 1929–1930 – problem dwóch kolorów w tym samym miejscu

Author(s): Szymon S. Nowak / Language(s): Polish / Issue: 43/2015

Keywords: Wittgenstein phenomenology; grammar; colour; logical atomism

Wittgenstein introduced his claim about colour incompatibility originally in the Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, where he stated that there could be only one colour in one place and time. It is commonly believed that Wittgenstein abandoned his conception of logical atomism when he realized the consequences of this claim. The aim of this article is to provide an interpretation of the colour incompatibility claim in terms of Wittgenstein’s phenomenology. I will focus on two works of great significance for the claim: Some Remarks on Logical Form and Philosophical Remarks. These two works were written between 1929 and 1930, which is the beginning of the “middle period” in Wittgenstein’s philosophy. I will focus not only on Wittgenstein’s formulation of the colour incompatibility claim, but also on how this claim was justified. The explanation of Wittgenstein’s justification of this claim will help to understand his phenomenology and theory of philosophical grammar.

William James’ Ideomotor Theory of Action

Ideomotoryczna teoria działania w ujęciu Williama Jamesa

Author(s): Adriana Schetz / Language(s): Polish / Issue: 43/2015

Keywords: William James; the ideomotor theory of action;voluntary and involuntary action;action;sensorimotor effects;enactivism;James-Lange theory; Edmund Rolls; Piotr Gutowski; Antonio Damasio; Shaun Gallagher

The paper discusses the view of William James on the contribution of will to our decisions to act. According to James, our voluntary action, which for him is strongly connected with an intention to do something, occurs when the subject of the action knows its sensorimotor effects. An attempt has been made to defend James’ view and rebut popular criticisms aiming to undermine the role of knowledge in voluntary action. The paper also offers to identify a contemporary context for the ideomotor theory of action. It is argued that such a context is provided by the enactive theory of perception.

Remarks on Barbara Tuchańska’s “Cultural Ontology”

W sprawie „ontologii kulturowej” Barbary Tuchańskiej

Author(s): Marek Rosiak / Language(s): Polish / Issue: 43/2015

Keywords: Barbara Tuchańska

Remarks on Barbara Tuchańska’s “Cultural Ontology” (B. Tuchańska, “Cultural Ontology: an Outline of Its Construction” (in Polish), Diametros – An Online Journal of Philosophy, no. 41 (2014), B. Tuchańska, “Cultural Ontology: the Cultural Constitution of Being” (in Polish), Diametros – An Online Journal of Philosophy, no. 42 (2014))