Laisvamanybės idėja viešajame gyvenime Pirmojoje Lietuvos Respublikoje ; The Idea of Freethinking in the Public Life during the First Republic of Lithuania

Open Access

Abstract

Freethinking as an idea understood today was finally developed in late 19th century. Therefore, we can perceive the concept of freethinking as an ideology based on correct thinking (logic) and science as the only way to acquire the knowledge of reality. Freethinkers refuse to associate scientific knowledge, public (social) and politic views with authorities, dogmas, traditions. The spread of freethinking in the First Republic of Lithuania was supervised by Jonas Šliūpas as well as ECSF (Ethical Culture Society of Freethinkers) organization established in 1922 , the latter being quite important and necessary in order to spread freethinking ideas. Since the idea of freethinking was versatile, its spread in the public life of the First Republic of Lithuania was also quite diverse. Freethinking ideas were manifested through various areas of life: politics, civil registry, education, relationships with religion, public and cultural life, publishing. Consequently, freethinking was developed precisely in these directions in the First Republic of Lithuania.