Volume 40 (2011)

Between mission and commerciality. Professional journalistic standards in the modern mass media market

  • Author: Iwona Hofman
  • Institution: Maria Skłodowska-Curie University in Lublin (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2011
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 7-14
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2011001
  • PDF: ppsy/40/ppsy2011001.pdf

The term State appropriately reflects the dichotomous condition of contemporary journalism. The tension between the commercial and the functional side of the mass media leaves the journalist standing alone on the battlefiield facing a harsh dilemma to remain faithful to professional ethics or to give way to the pressure of ratings. In other words, striving to describe objectively, inform critically, and earnestly, leaves some space for your opponents or makes you dig out seemingly meaningful information and present it in the form of a factoid or a story that probably will not bring you closer to the truth but generates more buzz around the news and entertain the audience. It all comes down to a single choice – serious journalism versus tabloid journalism. In my opinion, it is a serious issue which has to be brought up in any discussion concerning the media. One can see it more clearly by looking closely at both notions. Serious journalism is responsible for its words, along with the awareness of the influence it has on the audience. Tabloid journalism, on the other hand, is marked by a nonchalant audience attitude. It is aware of its influence on the fans, but its impact is simplified compared to mass media doctrines, and comes down to the brutal slogan “riffraff would buy”. Though, not making a big fuss, it is worth saying that with journalism, having the meaning of a public service and letting down society, we are dealing with conflict of values and hitting rock bottom.

public media Mass Media society

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New media – challenge for the rulers

  • Author: Marta Dorenda
  • Institution: Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2011
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 15-27
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2011002
  • PDF: ppsy/40/ppsy2011002.pdf

Political life in western democracies, even beyond the periods of subsequent elections, resembles permanent electoral campaign. All the actions of politicians and public relations of professionals are calculated to maintain supporters, attract hesitant citizens and persuade opponents. There is a common perception of media as a channel serving politicians, supported by spin doctors, to submit messages, aiming at achievement of political success. Analysis of changes in terms of communication and political marketing requires redefinition of classical categories operated by political marketing and communication, namely the notions of sender, message and receiver. While reformulating these categories, it is necessary to also analyze new tools and devices used by domains mentioned above. Presentation and explanation of their new content, definitions and relations between them leads to the conclusions concerning new role of media in the world dominated by high technologies.

social network new media

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From undivided state power to the system of deconcentrated and decentralised state power. The political transformation of Poland

  • Author: Alfred Lutrzykowski
  • Institution: Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2011
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 28-42
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2011003
  • PDF: ppsy/40/ppsy2011003.pdf

This paper is not an attempt to present the process of political changes that occurred in Poland after the end of the Second World War. Its aim is to indicate and explain the characteristics of the process of political change which after 1945 turned Poland into a totalitarian socialist state, and from 1989 led to the construction of the democratic state. The fate of Poland and other Eastern European countries was decided by the strategic interests of the great powers. The memory of the victims of war and democratic axiology gave way to the calculations and domination of force. Many nations were deprived of subjectivity and the possibility of sovereign choice in their future development. In Poland the place of the sovereign nation had been taken by a small group of politicians who became the plenipotentiaries of the Soviet leadership. The creation of the totalitarian system was an essential precondition for the implementation of the Stalinist model of society entirely dominated by the Communist Party, the state described as socialist, and its apparatus of repression. The rule over the nation, although it was called the dictatorship of the proletariat, was a dictatorship over the enslaved society. Only the gradual erosion and finally the collapse of the centre of communist world, created in this part of Europe the possibility to choose freely the model of collective life. The victory of the Polish Solidarity and the fall of Berlin Wall alike symbolize the overcoming the post-Yalta order and the return of these nations to the European, democratic idea of social order. After 1989 the political solutions in which power is protecting the needs, interests and aspirations of each individual as well as the common good, considered the summum bonnum, were chosen. This power is by its very nature decentralised.

history of politics history of Poland political transformation Polish politics

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Participation of the Presidents Wojciech Jaruzelski and Lech Wałęsa in the Process of Cabinet Formation in Poland

  • Author: Krystyna Leszczyńska
  • Institution: Maria Skłodowska-Curie University in Lublin (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2011
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 43-65
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2011004
  • PDF: ppsy/40/ppsy2011004.pdf

From this short, synthetic review of participation of Presidents in cabinet formation in 1989 – 1995 results that W. Jaruzelski was fully loyal towards processes of democratic changes in Poland. The position of the first, in the history of third RP, head of state was weakened by fiasco of C. Kiszczak mission of government formation; the politician indicated by the President appeared ineffective. But W. Jaruzelski accepted C. Kiszczak failure with dignity and he engaged himself in the process of formation of T. Mazowiecki cabinet although he had constitutional instruments to block it. “President Jaruzelski, Siwicki (Ministry of Defence) and I spread a protective umbrella over this Cabinet against »hardliners« in Poland and abroad.”. L. Wałęsa, benefiting from social consent, very actively took part in the process of formation of solidarity cabinets both before and after he became the head of state. He, with the substantive help of his closest and most trusted associate – prof Lech Falandysz – forced through a favourable for himself interpretation of art 61 of Small Constitution. Because of this, ministers from MoD, MIA, MFA in Pawlak and Oleksy’s Cabinets were appointed by the head of state. It should be stressed that L. Wałęsa helped to promote two prominent politicians: J.K Bielecki and W. Pawlak.

political transformation political system Polish politics

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On formation of method in political science

  • Author: Andrzej Chodubski
  • Institution: University of Gdańsk (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2011
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 66-81
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2011005
  • PDF: ppsy/40/ppsy2011005.pdf

It is widely recognised, that the status of any scientific discipline is vitally determined by its methodological autonomy. These are theoretical rules on the acquirement of information about a given reality, its definitions, systematization, clarification and interpretation. It is a specific challenge with regards to political science, which stems from the subject of knowledge, the politics. This realm is known to humanity from the onset of structure-shaping and institutionalisation of social life, and since ancient times attempts at its theoretical clarification are being undertaken. It has taken an important place within philosophical thought, historical and legal analysis. This reality led to political science becoming an integrating platform for knowledge from areas of political and social philosophy, law, economy, history. This integration has made cognitive challenges superficial and as a consequence raised such questions as: is political science a scientific discipline? The unfavourable image was revealed as it was included in broad process of political education of society.

politics political theory political science

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The participation of women in politics. Deliberations on the gender parity bill

  • Author: Joanna Marszałek–Kawa
  • Institution: Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2011
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 82-109
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2011006
  • PDF: ppsy/40/ppsy2011006.pdf

Male politicians are becoming increasingly aware of the fact that women have great power. Girls account for 50% of the population of school students. Women seem to be much better at handling the financial crisis than men. The recession primarily aftected the masculine part of business – widespread layoffs hit typically male industries, such as cars, tobacco, financial services. In the U.S., men account for 80% of people who lost jobs as the result of the recent crisis. Moreover, it is women that make most decisions relating to household expenses. They are also more inclined to save up for future. They typically spend money on things like education, healthcare, food and cosmetics. They also invest in their children’s future. At present, women have about $10.5 trillion at their disposal, while men have approximately $23.4 trillion. However, this disproportion is still getting smaller. The past decade saw the distance between these two worlds constantly diminish. Women control $12 trillion out of $18.4 trillion spent by consumers every year. Moreover, the increasing number of working women – as Michael J. Silverstein points – means that their income is increasing. 

women in politics gender political transformation political theory

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The Anti–systemness of the Protest Parties

  • Author: Bartłomiej Michalak
  • Institution: Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2011
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 110-121
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2011007
  • PDF: ppsy/40/ppsy2011007.pdf

Last decades of the past century, as well as the current one, may be characterized by the increase of political role of the movements that are called “the protest parties.” Scholars, journalists and politicians put a lot of attention to that phenomenon. However, it is focused just on selected elements of the problem. Beginning from the 1980s European public opinion may observe the rise and development of groups of ecologists. The unexpected electoral success of the new type of party is called “the New Populism.” Back in the 1990s it caused many concerns, opinions and discussions on the issue whether such parties are harmful for modern and stabilized western European democracies. At the turn of the century the political scene has been dominated by new forms of activity, which are the anti-globalization and alternative globalization movements.

protest parties party politics political parties political theory

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E–voting as a new form of Civic Participationin democratic procedures

  • Author: Magdalena Musiał–Karg
  • Institution: Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2011
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 122-137
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2011008
  • PDF: ppsy/40/ppsy2011008.pdf

Times are changing. The second half of the 19th century and the following years stood for rapid development of various tools based on electricity. Expansion of telecommunication and progress of electronic media constitute important elements of this period. It may be said, we now live in the Internet era, and there is a perception that anyone who does not jump on the technology bandwagon is going to be left far behind. The growth of online interactions can be observed by the inconceivable increase in the number of people with home PC and Internet access.

electronic voting new technologies democracy

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On the need of reconstruction of the research area in the international relations. Reflections of the political–normative, systemic and metaphorical nature

  • Author: Teresa Łoś–Nowak
  • Institution: University of Wrocław (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2011
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 138-155
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2011009
  • PDF: ppsy/40/ppsy2011009.pdf

At the turn of the 21st century, under the influence of “quick transformation” undergone by the international relations, we have rather to do with “a carnival” of theoretical approaches competing with each other. Undoubtedly, it hampers the discourse about the research area within the scope of what is usually de" ned as international relations, and about epistemological condition of the discipline with over 100 years of tradition. In this theoretical chaos there are being posed questions if the international relations are “clearly de" ned domain of intellectual reflection, if they have specific features distinguishing” them against other social sciences, or if it is possible to create universal mega-theory in the international, dynamic, diverse and energetic environment, and if yes, then further questions are appearing. They concern two issues: ontological beings around which the international relations, seen as “autonomous,” scientifically clear discipline, would consolidate, and methods of acquiring knowledge about it. Those who doubt, especially philosophers and sociologists, pose also questions if and how much it is possible to get objective knowledge, that is not burdened with the reflex of subjective system of values, ideas and experiences of a researcher.

political system international relations

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The level of Poland’s social and economic development in the aspect of the european union’s inner cohesion

  • Author: Rafał Willa
  • Institution: Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2011
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 156-172
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2011010
  • PDF: ppsy/40/ppsy2011010.pdf

Each enlargement of the European Communities (EC) and later the European Union (EU) has had an indisputable in! uence on inner cohesion of the organization itself. The participants of the integration processes have included the countries deviating from the previous Member States by the level of the economic development, the structures of their economies, macroeconomic conditions, etc. This differentiation has taken its toll especially on the functioning and the expenses of common policies (mainly transfer ones) as well as the execution of the integration reinforcement plans such as the European Economic and Monetary Union. In this aspect the most serious consequences were caused by the admission of countries that were much weaker economically, especially Ireland, Greece, Spain and Portugal. These countries had to go through a long way of reforms in order to become rightful members of the organization and for their integration with the Communities to become a mutual success. A big part of the expenses connected with these reforms was financed by the common budget thanks to the structural funds and the Common Agricultural Policy.

political economy European Union Poland economy

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Russia and the European Union’s new member states: their cooperation and rivalry in the field of energy

  • Author: Sylwester Gardocki
  • Institution: University of Warszawa (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2011
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 173-210
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2011011
  • PDF: ppsy/40/ppsy2011011.pdf

Relations between Russia and the European Union are particularly important in the sphere of the production, transmission and use of energy resources as it is in this field where Russia possesses its key strategic assets, and the European Union heavily relies on supplies of oil and natural gas from this country. Russia wants to be perceived as a superpower by the European Union countries and believes that having such a status will contribute to its further progress. In order to accomplish this goal it should take advantage of its superior position in the field of power industry. In the past, both in the times of czarism and the Soviet Union, Imperial Russia built its status as a world power primarily by using its military potential to expand its territory. We compare this tradition to Russia’s present attitude, the latter is undoubtedly less dangerous and it may become the basis for mutually advantageous cooperation.

energy policies Russia the European Union international relations

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60 years of diplomatic relations between Poland and the People’s Republic of China – historical review

  • Author: Marceli Burdelski
  • Institution: University of Gdańsk (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2011
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 211-237
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2011012
  • PDF: ppsy/40/ppsy2011012.pdf

The diplomatic relations between Poland and China had been established before World War II. The new stage in the relations has started on October 7, 1949, when Poland oficially recognized the People’s Republic of China (PRC), which was declared on October 1, 1949. Therefore, in 2009, we had two anniversaries: the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of china and the 60th anniversary of establishing the diplomatic relations between Poland and PRC. This gives the opportunity to summarize mutual relations. Those 60 years have been filled with positive stories, which had significant influence on the development of bilateral relations. However, one can also find dificult, even tragic moments during the history of these two nations. Those uneasy moments had also direct impact on mutual relations.

diplomatic relations China-Poland relations historical memory

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Human rights in the teachings and practices of Benedict XVI

  • Author: Małgorzata Zamojska
  • Institution: Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2011
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 238-252
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2011013
  • PDF: ppsy/40/ppsy2011013.pdf

Joseph Ratzinger, chosen for the See of Peter 19 April 2005, after three years of papal ministry, may be, in my opinion, considered a worthy continuator of John Paul’s II mission, the latter described as the Human Rights Pope due to his activities in the field. The main goal of this essay is to analyze Benedict XVI’s most characteristic practices and texts, which directly refer to the issue of human rights, especially in the context of respect for and protection of human rights. The next aim is to show the contexts in which John Paul II’s great friend invokes or refers to the legacy of his eminent predecessor and to demonstrate the differences between John Paul II and Benedict XVI’s perception of the significance of human rights in the lives of contemporary societies.

religion in society religion

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The Pomeranian Region: parties and the party structure of the voivodeship sejmik after 1998

  • Author: Beata Słobodzian
  • Institution: University of Gdańsk (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2011
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 253-273
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2011014
  • PDF: ppsy/40/ppsy2011014.pdf

The elections are an important element of the political system; indicator of the proper functioning of a democratic state. It is also the method for selection of the persons who will hold certain positions, public ofices and will represent the interests of the electorate.

elections in Poland elections political system

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Transformations in the Ownership of The Szczecin and Świnoujście Seaports Authority between 1991 and 2000

  • Author: Małgorzata Kamola–Cieślik
  • Institution: Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2011
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 274-286
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2011015
  • PDF: ppsy/40/ppsy2011015.pdf

Transformations in the ownership of state owned companies in Poland a! er 1989 played a pivotal role in the general political transformation which took place in Poland at that time. Those ownership changes were an essential element of the political transformation of Poland. The process of transforming the country’s economy from central economic planning to free market economy was started by Tadeusz Mazowiecki’s government. On October 9, 1989, the Council of Ministers accepted a document Guidelines and Directions of Poland’s Economic Policy which aimed at stabilizing the country’s economy and at transforming its economic system. " e stabilization programme was supposed to be implemented by January, 1990.3 " e second stage of the governmental plan was planned for the years 1990–1991 and one of its main tenets was a transformation of ownership rights. Krzysztof Lis, the government’s plenipotentiary for ownership transformation, was responsible for the organization and legislation of the process of privatizing Polish economy. T. Mazowiecki’s cabinet prepared both a draft for the new amendment of the legal act concerning state owned companies and a dra! of a new act about privatizing state owned companies.

seaports political transformation economy

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Maria Skłodowska–Curie – a sketch to the portrait

  • Author: Edward Olszewski
  • Institution: Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2011
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 287-313
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2011016
  • PDF: ppsy/40/ppsy2011016.pdf

Biographers of Maria Skłodowska-Curie, characterizing her features of personality, underline her pragmatism, consequence in action and logical mind. Her studies in the fields of mathematics, physics and chemistry developed these features of personality and, at the same time, paved her way to achievements on the world’s scale.

biography Maria Skłodowska-Curie

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Maria Skłodowska–Curie – Woman, Wife and Mother

  • Author: Krystyna Leszczyńska
  • Institution: Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2011
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 314-329
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2011017
  • PDF: ppsy/40/ppsy2011017.pdf

On May 20, 1921 during the ceremony of presenting a gram of radium to Maria Skłodowska-Curie, the President of the United States, Warren Harding, called the Polish scientist “the most noble of human beings, the best wife and a loving mother who could combine all the woman’s duties with the immense effort of her fabulous work.” It is unquestionable that scientific research in the field of experimental physics was the main aim and sense of Maria Skłodowska-Curie’s life. But this field of science, which a two-time Noble laureate has chosen, was, at those times, “exclusively male.”

polish scientist biography Maria Skłodowska-Curie

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Book Review: “Political Science in Central–East Europe. Diversity and Convergence”, eds. Rainer Eisfeld, Leslie A. Pal, IPSA–AISP, Barbara Budrich Publishers (Germany), Opladen 2010, pp. 317

  • Author: Iwona Reichardt
  • Institution: Jagiellonian University in Kraków (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2011
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 330-333
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2011018
  • PDF: ppsy/40/ppsy2011018.pdf

In 2010, Barbara Budrich Publishers (Germany) published a book titled Political Science in Central-East Europe. Diversity and Convergence on the development and state of political science in the countries of Eastern and Central Europe. The book is a collection of 19 country reports (Albania, Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Ukraine), which, collectively, provide the much needed account on the discipline’s institutionalization throughout the region. Individual chapters – written by academic professors or lecturers – include such information as the state of research, teaching, major books and journals, international cooperation, public impact. The chapter on Polish political science was written by professor Teresa Sasinska-Klas, at the time of the publication, the President of the Polish Political Science Association.

Iwona Reichardt Leslie A. Pal Rainer Eisfeld book review East-Central Europe political science

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Book Review: “Syndrome of a Peacock and a Parrot. 20 years of Political Transformation in Poland” [Syndrom pawia i papugi. 20 lat transformacji ustrojowej Polski], ed. Marek Sokołowski, Wydawnictwo Adam Marszałek, Toruń 2010, pp. 264

  • Author: Małgorzata Kamola–Cieślik
  • Institution: Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2011
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 333-337
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2011019
  • PDF: ppsy/40/ppsy2011019.pdf

In Poland’s most recent history, year 2009 was a time to celebrate a special anniversary. Twenty years ago, events that started a political transformation in Poland took place. They were connected with the Round Table Talks, elections to the so-called Contract Sejm and the fact that Tadeusz Mazowiecki became the Prime Minister. In 2009 Poland also celebrated 70th anniversary of II World War, 10th anniversary of its admission to NATO and 5th anniversary of joining the European Union. The celebrations of these events involved exhibitions, conferences and scientific seminars. Articles were written and television networks broadcast interviews and documentaries about the recent historical events that happened in Poland’s history.

Małgorzata Kamola–Cieślik Marek Sokołowski political transformation book review

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Book Review: Łukasz Dominiak, “The value of community. Political philosophy of communitarism” [Wartość wspólnoty. O filozofi i politycznej komunitaryzmu], Wydawnictwo Adam Marszałek, Toruń 2010, pp. 351

  • Author: Danuta Karnowska
  • Institution: Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2011
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 337-339
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2011020
  • PDF: ppsy/40/ppsy2011020.pdf

€The most important ideologies of the XIX and the first half of the XX century took a stand on communities. €This was expressed not only in the liberal criticism of the communal lifestyle but also in the socialist commendation; in the conservative hierachy or communist absolute equality. Invariably a community constituted one of the central categories around which concepts of life of a human being and functioning of the society were created.

Danuta Karnowska Łukasz Dominiak political philosophy book review

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Book Review: Kazimierz Łastawski, “The History of European Integration” [Historia integracji europejskiej], Wydawnictwo Adam Marszałek, Toruń 2011, pp. 370

  • Author: Joanna Marszałek–Kawa
  • Institution: Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2011
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 339-342
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2011021
  • PDF: ppsy/40/ppsy2011021.pdf

Great historical changes are not as a rule a result of single but long lasting series of events and coincidence of special circumstances. €That was the case with the appearance of the European integration. €This is how the author presents it in the discussed work. Namely, as a result of a long historical process. It makes the monograph valuable and its purpose is to serve as a scientifi c explanation of the sources, circumstances, reasons and proceeding of the fi rst integration in the history.

Kazimierz Łastawski book review

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Book Review: “New media and politics. Internet, democracy, electoral campaigns” [Nowe media i polityka. Internet, demokracja, kampanie wyborcze], ed. Marek Jeziński, Wydawnictwo Adam Marszałek, Toruń 2009, pp. 291

  • Author: Marta Dorenda
  • Institution: Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2011
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 342-345
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2011022
  • PDF: ppsy/40/ppsy2011022.pdf

The expression (and concept) of “new media”, initially describing the facilities which permitted the spread of information in real time amongst many recipients, although present in western literature for sixty years, still merits thorough analysis. The rapid development of new media, signifying nowadays communication methods of a more digital nature, necessitates a thorough analysis of its infl uence on several aspects of social and political life. New media and politics. Internet, democracy, electoral campaigns, a work edited by Marek Jeziński, provides such an analysis in terms of political marketing, theories of political systems, ethics and other fields of interest of social and political studies. The book consists of two parts, one of which concentrates on relations between media and democracy. The second one covers the impact of the Internet on political life and the role of new technologies in providing information, shaping attitudes, changing the forms of political participation and exercising social control.

Marta Dorenda Marek Jeziński new media book review

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Book Review: “The theory and practice of mass media functioning” [Teoria i praktyka funkcjonowania mediów], ed. Joanna Marszałek–Kawa, Wydawnictwo Adam Marszałek, Toruń 2010, pp. 320

  • Author: Joanna Orzeł
  • Institution: Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2011
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 345-347
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2011023
  • PDF: ppsy/40/ppsy2011023.pdf

A widely held belief has it that mass media is the fourth power. A question arises, however, as to whether the media create information instead of simply providing it. The editor of the book under review indicates that this situation leads to a number of pathologies, such as sponsoring, lack of objectivity, manipulations etc. The media, especially those in the hands of private owners, are profi t-driven. Sensational journalism is aimed at attracting as wide audience as possible.

Joanna Orzeł Mass Media book review

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Book Review: “Practical Aspects of the Freedom of Speech” [Praktyczne aspekty wolności wypowiedzi], eds. Wojciech Lis, Zbigniew Husak, Wydawnictwo Adam Marszałek, Toruń 2011, pp. 551

  • Author: Joanna Orzeł
  • Institution: Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2011
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 347-348
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2011024
  • PDF: ppsy/40/ppsy2011024.pdf

The freedom of speech and the right to information are essential human and citizenship rights, which are guaranteed in the constitution and numerous international conventions. The book under review focuses on widely understood issues of the free expression of views. The authors of the articles are either scholars who deal with the legal aspects of mass media or journalists, who are part of those media. As a result, the authors’ opinions and proposals for change not only deepen our knowledge, but also broaden the scope of thinking about the freedom of speech as practised by the media.

Zbigniew Husak Wojciech Lis Joanna Orzeł book review

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52 Years of the Existence of the Polish–Chinese Friendship Association

  • Author: Zdzisław Góralczyk
  • Institution: Independent Researcher (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2011
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 349-362
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2011025
  • PDF: ppsy/40/ppsy2011025.pdf

The victory of Chinese communists over the Kuomintang, backed by the United States, in the Chinese Civil War, which resulted in the foundation of the People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949, was the most signifi cant international event a€ er the Second World War. It reverberated not only through the whole world, but also around Poland. The People’s Republic of Poland broke diplomatic relations with the Kuomintang government of the Republic of China in August 1949. It was the seventh country of the world to recognize the People’s Republic of China on October 5, 1949, and, two days later, Poland and China reestablished diplomatic relations. It is worth mentioning that this fact was generally well received by the Polish society of the 1950s.

China-Poland relations Varia

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Problems connected with professional and academic careers in the so–called post–doctoral phase: Polish and French experiences

  • Author: Stanisław Roszak
  • Institution: Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2011
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 362-366
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2011026
  • PDF: ppsy/40/ppsy2011026.pdf

First of all, I would like to highlight the fact that discussion about the system and mechanisms of self-development of young researchers in the post-doctoral phase in Poland has only just begun. The problem became very serious when we started to implement the guidelines of the Strategy of Bologna, which means introducing three educational stages: Bachelor’s degree (a€ er 3 years spent at the university), Master’s degree (a€ er next two years), and Doctorate degree (four years).

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