PROF. MIECZYSŁAW LUBAŃSKI – FOURTH EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF SPCh

• July 4 marked the 10th anniversary of the death of Rev. Prof. Mieczysław Lubański (1924-2015), the fourth editor-in-chief of SPCh. He was a mathematician and philosopher by education. From 1965, he was associated with ATK/UKSW in Warsaw. He conducted research in the following areas: mathematics and the philosophy of mathematics; systems theory and computer science; the philosophy of nature and natural sciences; the essence and types of scientific, philosophical, and theological thinking; the evolution of scientific and philosophical concepts and ideas; philosophical and worldview implications of newer scientific fields, especially systems and information sciences; systems anthropology; the issue of the unity of human knowledge in the face of its diversity; worldview issues (value systems, religious faith, ecological ideas). He dealt with problems at the intersection of sciences, in particular mathematics and philosophy. He published over 300 scientific papers. In 1981-1988, he was the editor-in-chief of SPCh. He published as many as 122 texts in this journal: articles, book reviews, and other statements. In one of his published texts, he wrote: "Work should begin with oneself. Therefore, one should become sensitive to the search for everything that connects people and is most fundamental and universal: be open to other people. Treat them as individuals with the same rights and obligations that I have and that I am bound to fulfill. Eliminate from your way of thinking and behavior all kinds of prejudices that exist among individuals or social groups. Do not succumb to illusions, be able to maintain ‘sobriety’ of thought. (...) And one more thing: we must not forget that a theory which has no practical application and is not socially useful cannot be considered a valuable theory" (Universal Pragmatism, p. 98). Lubański taught consistent and rational thinking. He always emphasized the need for a clear, distinct, and emotionless way of expressing thoughts. He remained in the memory of his students as an example of “iron consistency” in thinking and an extremely critical approach to reality and action. He taught the reliable use of time and respect for other people.

• For more information, see: Mieczysław Lubański (Polish Christian Philosophy of the 20th Century, vol. 13), Wydawnictwo Naukowe Akademii Ignatianum, Krakow / Wydawnictwo Naukowe UKSW Warsaw 2022.