Review article

Vjekoslav Bajsić in Dialogue

Stipe Tadić orcid.org/0000-0001-9151-4960 ; Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

The present paper consists of two parts. The first part addresses Bajsić's anthropological understanding of the human being and basic forms of their sociality. By using metaphors »nest« and »jungle«, Bajsić summarizes basic models of social organization and different forms of life and behaviour of people. The result is two different social paradigms and/or types of sociality »nest« and »jungle«. Sociologically speaking, »nest« (Gemeinschaft, community) refers to fundamental forms of social life in one´s own social group, whereas »jungle« (Gesselschaft, society) can be used as a very broad explanation of society. Human conduct is always a part of a bigger picture which resembles a »nest« or a »jungle«. Mentioned basic models of social conduct and life in general, are not unique to humans alone, but are common among other animal species that live reflexively, not reflectively. Our biological contingency and our zoological substratum, which are difficult to rise above, are evident in these models of social behaviour. Bajsić concludes that anthropological perspective on society and an individual in society hardly changes. In the »nest«, there is monolithism and (apparent) concordance. In the »jungle«, the« law of the jungle« prevails. And dialogue is a typical »jungle« behaviour. Considering this, the second part of the present paper concentrates on dialogue, the only legitimate manner of conducting oneself toward others and the ones who are in some way different. Today´s world (the »jungle«) is a pluralistic, complex and interdependent world. Global problems of today´s world can be solved through cooperation only. And an irreplaceable tool and condition of communication is – dialogue.

Keywords

Vjekoslav Bajsić; »nest«; »jungle«; elementary forms of sociality; pluralism; dialogue

Hrčak ID:

138487

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/138487

Publication date:

30.4.2015.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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