ABSTRACT
Elements of the idea of an open society can be found within the works of several philosophers. Yet, this idea was made most specific in the twentieth century. One finds it both in so-called analytical philosophy, with Popper, and in continental philosophy, with Derrida. I will argue that the concept of an open society, or critical society is broader than that of democracy. It should be attractive also to civilizations that look upon Western democracy with sceptical reservations.
