Volume 16, Special Issue on the Impacts of Emerging Technologies Inequality and Sustainability

In the fall of 2019, the Journal of Science Policy & Governance and the United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth teamed up to launch a joint call for submissions for a special topics issue around the “implications of emerging technologies on inequalities and sustainable development.” This is the cover memo to the "Special Issue on the Impacts of Emerging Technologies Inequality and Sustainability" with the guiding questions for the authors and commentary from distinguished leaders.

FILOSOFIJA IR POLITIKA ATGIMIMO EPOCHOJE

Straipsnyje, apžvelgus kai kuriuos bendruosius filosofijos ir politikos santykio klausimus, siekiama išaiškinti, kodėl Lietuvos politinio atgimimo laikotarpiu, 1988–1993 metais, jos filosofai, atstovavę disciplinai, laikytai sovietinės valdžios ideologine atrama, aktyviai įsitraukė į politinę veiklą, kurios tikslas buvo Lietuvos išlaisvinimas iš tos valdžios. Tuo tikslu analizuojama filosofijos padėtis okupuotoje Lietuvoje ir pirmiausia, Vilniaus universitete. Bandoma atsakyti į klausimą, kuo ji skyrėsi nuo filosofijos padėties kitose TSRS aukštosiose mokyklose. Nagrinėjami veiksniai, lėmę gan aukštą filosofų prestižą Lietuvoje, turėję įtakos jų įsitraukimui į politinius Atgimimo procesus ir aktyviam dalyvavimui valstybingumo atkūrime ir nepriklausomybės įtvirtinime. Glaustai aptariami kai kurie pastarųjų šešių dešimtmečių filosofijos raidos Lietuvoje periodizacijos aspektai. Pagrindiniai žodžiai: Lietuva, Atgimimas, filosofija, politika, marksizmas.Philosophy and Politics in the Epoch of RebirthEvaldas Nekrašas SummaryAfter examining shortly some general issues concerning relation of philosophy to politics, the author of the article makes an attempt to answer the question why during the period of Lithuania’s political rebirth, in the years 1988–1993, Lithuanian philosophers representing a discipline which in its Marxist form had been regarded as an ideological basis of the Soviet rule took a vigorous part in political activities aiming at liberation from that rule. With this aim in mind, analysis of the situation of philosophy in occupied Lithuania is presented. A special emphasis is put on the situation at Vilnius University. An attempt is being made to explain why and in which respect it was different from that at other universities in the Soviet Union. The factors that were responsible for a relatively high reputation of philosophers among Lithuanian reading public are examined. Exactly that high reputation and the developed sense of responsibility explains why philosophers were so eager to join the popular movement aiming at the liberation of Lithuania, were able to become its distinguished leaders and play a very important role in the political rebirth and the consolidation of the regained independence. Some issues related to the periodization of the development of Lithuanian philosophy during the last six decades are also put under scrutiny. Key words: Lithuania, Rebirth, philosophy, politics, Marxism.

Mikhail Gorbachev: The Decay of Socialism and the Renaissance of Eastern Europe (From the Perspective of an Insider)

This article provides an insider’s view of Gorbachev’s policy “perestroika and glasnost” as it related to the former Central and Eastern European socialist countries. The author describes Gorbachev’s relations with the leaders of communist parties of the Warsaw Treaty. A participant in many of Gorbachev’s meetings with his counterparts, the author analyzes the emergence of democracy and market reforms in these countries. He observed two distinct groups of socialist leaders, one relatively progressive and reform oriented and the other consisting of hardliners with traditional views opposed to any political and economic change. The author describes their attitude toward Gorbachev’s reforms. Based on his personal experience with the Soviet leader, the author also identifies some of the characteristics that made Mikhail Gorbachev one of the most distinguished leaders of the twentieth century, based on his personal experience with the Soviet leader. The author’s description highlights lesser-known aspects of Gorbachev’s performance that complete a portrait of this complex person.

An Uncrowned King in Science

By the death of Professor Huxley another illustrious name must now be inscribed on the walls of our Valhalla, while the world of science mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, who shares with Owen and Darwin the reputation of having done more to advance the study of biology than any other of the naturalists who have appeared within the present century.