Andrei Marga
Encyclopedia
Andrei Marga is a Romania
n philosopher, political scientist, and politician. Rector – for the second time – of the Babeş-Bolyai University
in Cluj-Napoca
, he was a member of the Christian-Democratic National Peasants' Party
(PNŢCD), serving as Minister of Education in the Democratic Convention
(CDR) coalition governments of Victor Ciorbea
, Radu Vasile
, and Mugur Isărescu
(1997-2000). In January 2001, he replaced Ion Diaconescu
as PNŢCD chairman, but resigned from his post in July 2001, amid political tensions in the party. He formed a new party, the Popular Christian Party later in the year. Later, he affiliated with the National Liberal Party
(PNL).
Marga has authored a large number of volumes on political science
, political philosophy
, and the philosophy of history
. His work touches a variety of subjects, including the philosophical theories of Herbert Marcuse
and Jürgen Habermas
, the nature of positivism
, and trends in contemporary philosophy. He has also lectured on specific subjects, such as the philosophic foundations of transition from communism
to a market economy
, and the evolution of principles guiding European integration
. In later works, he approached topics pertaining to the philosophy of religion
, and to the status of religion in the age of globalization
. In 2005, Andrei Marga received the Herder Prize
in recognition of his contributions.
and attended a German
university for postgraduate studies. He was among a few gifted students allowed to travel abroad under the communist regime
of the time. In 1993, he became the rector of the Babeş-Bolyai University, of Cluj-Napoca.
As minister, Andrei Marga promoted educational system
reform
, stressing that the communist legacy had contributed to a rise in political corruption
, and indicating that Romanian education lacked staples of professionalism such as underlined purposes, standards in certification
, and evaluation
criteria. Marga also criticized the system for relying on "original features" and "Romanian traditions", which had been explained as a means to promote national development, but, in effect, had contributed to the gap between Romania and the Western world. He called for these traditions to be amended, and for modernization
to be introduced, and defined his goals as "increasing the links between education and the economic, administrative and cultural environment, improving the educational infrastructure, eliminating paternalism
and populism
from educational management
, and enhancing international cooperation in education".
The program was criticized by the political opposition, who argued that the system in place was satisfactory, and blamed the existing problems on the post-1989 political and social climate. In parallel, supporters of reform were dissatisfied with its slow pace and inadequate financing.
In early 1998, a controversy erupted in Romanian politics, after the CDR announced that it was planning to stand by the plan to set up separate universities for the Hungarian minority. The decision was in turn based on a promise made to their coalition partner, the Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania
. In this context, Marga took the middle ground, saying that he supported separate Hungarian-language
sections but not separate institutions (a similar view was expressed by the CDR's other coalition partner, the Democratic Party).
Marga only joined the PNŢCD in 1999, two years before ascending to its leadership. However, party rules prohibited members with less than 5 years in the party from running for party president. During the party's congress, a few candidates resigned in support of Marga and the party's constitution was amended to allow Marga to run. Marga was able to defeat his other conservative
opponents with the support of the congress in spite of opposition from the party hierarchy. He was brought in to reform the party and position it to recover from the loses of the December 2000 election
. However, his tenure
failed to bring in the rapid changes desired and opposition from prominent conservative elements in his party stifled his ideas. He resigned in July 2001.
In 2002, Marga joined the PNŢCD's former coalition partner, the National Liberal Party
. At the time, a voice from within the PNL, Mihai Voicu, indicated that this was part of an "internal consolidation" trend, with the National Liberals attracting members from less successful CDR groups and other right-wing
or centrist
forces.
Romania
Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, on the Lower Danube, within and outside the Carpathian arch, bordering on the Black Sea...
n philosopher, political scientist, and politician. Rector – for the second time – of the Babeş-Bolyai University
Babes-Bolyai University
The Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca is an university in Romania. With almost 50,000 students, the university offers 105 specialisations, of which there are 105 in Romanian, 67 in Hungarian, 17 in German, and 5 in English...
in Cluj-Napoca
Cluj-Napoca
Cluj-Napoca , commonly known as Cluj, is the fourth most populous city in Romania and the seat of Cluj County in the northwestern part of the country. Geographically, it is roughly equidistant from Bucharest , Budapest and Belgrade...
, he was a member of the Christian-Democratic National Peasants' Party
Christian-Democratic National Peasants' Party (Romania)
The Christian-Democratic National Peasants' Party is a Romanian Christian-Democratic party...
(PNŢCD), serving as Minister of Education in the Democratic Convention
Romanian Democratic Convention
The Romanian Democratic Convention was an electoral alliance of several political parties of Romania, active from early 1992 until 2000....
(CDR) coalition governments of Victor Ciorbea
Victor Ciorbea
Victor Ciorbea is a Romanian politician. He was the Mayor of Bucharest in 1996-1997 and, after his resignation from office, Prime Minister of Romania from 12 December 1996 to 30 March 1998.-Biography:...
, Radu Vasile
Radu Vasile
Radu Vasile is a Romanian politician, historian and poet.-Education and Professional Activity:*1967 - Graduate, with exceptional results, of the Faculty of History - University of Bucharest...
, and Mugur Isărescu
Mugur Isarescu
Mugur Isărescu is the Governor of the National Bank of Romania. From 22 December 1999 to 28 November 2000 he served as Prime Minister. He is a member of the Romanian Academy....
(1997-2000). In January 2001, he replaced Ion Diaconescu
Ion Diaconescu
Ion Diaconescu was a Romanian anti-Communist activist and politician. He was imprisoned as a political prisoner for seventeen years from 1947 to 1964 during Romania's Communist era...
as PNŢCD chairman, but resigned from his post in July 2001, amid political tensions in the party. He formed a new party, the Popular Christian Party later in the year. Later, he affiliated with the National Liberal Party
National Liberal Party (Romania)
The National Liberal Party , abbreviated to PNL, is a centre-right liberal party in Romania. It is the third-largest party in the Romanian Parliament, with 53 seats in the Chamber of Deputies and 22 in the Senate: behind the centre-right Democratic Liberal Party and the centre-left Social...
(PNL).
Marga has authored a large number of volumes on political science
Political science
Political Science is a social science discipline concerned with the study of the state, government and politics. Aristotle defined it as the study of the state. It deals extensively with the theory and practice of politics, and the analysis of political systems and political behavior...
, political philosophy
Political philosophy
Political philosophy is the study of such topics as liberty, justice, property, rights, law, and the enforcement of a legal code by authority: what they are, why they are needed, what, if anything, makes a government legitimate, what rights and freedoms it should protect and why, what form it...
, and the philosophy of history
Philosophy of history
The term philosophy of history refers to the theoretical aspect of history, in two senses. It is customary to distinguish critical philosophy of history from speculative philosophy of history...
. His work touches a variety of subjects, including the philosophical theories of Herbert Marcuse
Herbert Marcuse
Herbert Marcuse was a German Jewish philosopher, sociologist and political theorist, associated with the Frankfurt School of critical theory...
and Jürgen Habermas
Jürgen Habermas
Jürgen Habermas is a German sociologist and philosopher in the tradition of critical theory and pragmatism. He is perhaps best known for his theory on the concepts of 'communicative rationality' and the 'public sphere'...
, the nature of positivism
Positivism
Positivism is a a view of scientific methods and a philosophical approach, theory, or system based on the view that, in the social as well as natural sciences, sensory experiences and their logical and mathematical treatment are together the exclusive source of all worthwhile information....
, and trends in contemporary philosophy. He has also lectured on specific subjects, such as the philosophic foundations of transition from communism
Communism
Communism is a social, political and economic ideology that aims at the establishment of a classless, moneyless, revolutionary and stateless socialist society structured upon common ownership of the means of production...
to a market economy
Market economy
A market economy is an economy in which the prices of goods and services are determined in a free price system. This is often contrasted with a state-directed or planned economy. Market economies can range from hypothetically pure laissez-faire variants to an assortment of real-world mixed...
, and the evolution of principles guiding European integration
European integration
European integration is the process of industrial, political, legal, economic integration of states wholly or partially in Europe...
. In later works, he approached topics pertaining to the philosophy of religion
Philosophy of religion
Philosophy of religion is a branch of philosophy concerned with questions regarding religion, including the nature and existence of God, the examination of religious experience, analysis of religious language and texts, and the relationship of religion and science...
, and to the status of religion in the age of globalization
Globalization
Globalization refers to the increasingly global relationships of culture, people and economic activity. Most often, it refers to economics: the global distribution of the production of goods and services, through reduction of barriers to international trade such as tariffs, export fees, and import...
. In 2005, Andrei Marga received the Herder Prize
Herder Prize
The Herder Prize, established in 1963 and named for Johann Gottfried von Herder, was a prestigious international prize dedicated to the promotion of scientific, art and literature relations, and presented to scholars and artists from Central and Southeastern Europe whose life and work have improved...
in recognition of his contributions.
Biography
Marga was born in BucharestBucharest
Bucharest is the capital municipality, cultural, industrial, and financial centre of Romania. It is the largest city in Romania, located in the southeast of the country, at , and lies on the banks of the Dâmbovița River....
and attended a German
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
university for postgraduate studies. He was among a few gifted students allowed to travel abroad under the communist regime
Communist Romania
Communist Romania was the period in Romanian history when that country was a Soviet-aligned communist state in the Eastern Bloc, with the dominant role of Romanian Communist Party enshrined in its successive constitutions...
of the time. In 1993, he became the rector of the Babeş-Bolyai University, of Cluj-Napoca.
As minister, Andrei Marga promoted educational system
Education in Romania
According to the Law on Education adopted in 1995, the Romanian Educational System is regulated by the Ministry of Education and Research . Each level has its own form of organization and is subject to different legislation. Kindergarten is optional between 3 and 6 years old...
reform
Education reform
Education reform is the process of improving public education. Small improvements in education theoretically have large social returns, in health, wealth and well-being. Historically, reforms have taken different forms because the motivations of reformers have differed.A continuing motivation has...
, stressing that the communist legacy had contributed to a rise in political corruption
Political corruption
Political corruption is the use of legislated powers by government officials for illegitimate private gain. Misuse of government power for other purposes, such as repression of political opponents and general police brutality, is not considered political corruption. Neither are illegal acts by...
, and indicating that Romanian education lacked staples of professionalism such as underlined purposes, standards in certification
Professional certification
Professional certification, trade certification, or professional designation, often called simply certification or qualification, is a designation earned by a person to assure qualification to perform a job or task...
, and evaluation
Evaluation
Evaluation is systematic determination of merit, worth, and significance of something or someone using criteria against a set of standards.Evaluation often is used to characterize and appraise subjects of interest in a wide range of human enterprises, including the arts, criminal justice,...
criteria. Marga also criticized the system for relying on "original features" and "Romanian traditions", which had been explained as a means to promote national development, but, in effect, had contributed to the gap between Romania and the Western world. He called for these traditions to be amended, and for modernization
Modernization
In the social sciences, modernization or modernisation refers to a model of an evolutionary transition from a 'pre-modern' or 'traditional' to a 'modern' society. The teleology of modernization is described in social evolutionism theories, existing as a template that has been generally followed by...
to be introduced, and defined his goals as "increasing the links between education and the economic, administrative and cultural environment, improving the educational infrastructure, eliminating paternalism
Paternalism
Paternalism refers to attitudes or states of affairs that exemplify a traditional relationship between father and child. Two conditions of paternalism are usually identified: interference with liberty and a beneficent intention towards those whose liberty is interfered with...
and populism
Populism
Populism can be defined as an ideology, political philosophy, or type of discourse. Generally, a common theme compares "the people" against "the elite", and urges social and political system changes. It can also be defined as a rhetorical style employed by members of various political or social...
from educational management
Management
Management in all business and organizational activities is the act of getting people together to accomplish desired goals and objectives using available resources efficiently and effectively...
, and enhancing international cooperation in education".
The program was criticized by the political opposition, who argued that the system in place was satisfactory, and blamed the existing problems on the post-1989 political and social climate. In parallel, supporters of reform were dissatisfied with its slow pace and inadequate financing.
In early 1998, a controversy erupted in Romanian politics, after the CDR announced that it was planning to stand by the plan to set up separate universities for the Hungarian minority. The decision was in turn based on a promise made to their coalition partner, the Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania
Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania
The Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania, is the main political organisation representing the ethnic Hungarians of Romania....
. In this context, Marga took the middle ground, saying that he supported separate Hungarian-language
Hungarian language
Hungarian is a Uralic language, part of the Ugric group. With some 14 million speakers, it is one of the most widely spoken non-Indo-European languages in Europe....
sections but not separate institutions (a similar view was expressed by the CDR's other coalition partner, the Democratic Party).
Marga only joined the PNŢCD in 1999, two years before ascending to its leadership. However, party rules prohibited members with less than 5 years in the party from running for party president. During the party's congress, a few candidates resigned in support of Marga and the party's constitution was amended to allow Marga to run. Marga was able to defeat his other conservative
Conservatism
Conservatism is a political and social philosophy that promotes the maintenance of traditional institutions and supports, at the most, minimal and gradual change in society. Some conservatives seek to preserve things as they are, emphasizing stability and continuity, while others oppose modernism...
opponents with the support of the congress in spite of opposition from the party hierarchy. He was brought in to reform the party and position it to recover from the loses of the December 2000 election
Romanian legislative election, 2000
Legislative elections where be held in Romania on November 26, 2000, together with the Presidential election. The Greater Romania Party made big gains, as did the PDSR, which became the ruling party. The formerly governing Romanian Democratic Convention lost all its seats and was shortly...
. However, his tenure
Tenure
Tenure commonly refers to life tenure in a job and specifically to a senior academic's contractual right not to have his or her position terminated without just cause.-19th century:...
failed to bring in the rapid changes desired and opposition from prominent conservative elements in his party stifled his ideas. He resigned in July 2001.
In 2002, Marga joined the PNŢCD's former coalition partner, the National Liberal Party
National Liberal Party (Romania)
The National Liberal Party , abbreviated to PNL, is a centre-right liberal party in Romania. It is the third-largest party in the Romanian Parliament, with 53 seats in the Chamber of Deputies and 22 in the Senate: behind the centre-right Democratic Liberal Party and the centre-left Social...
. At the time, a voice from within the PNL, Mihai Voicu, indicated that this was part of an "internal consolidation" trend, with the National Liberals attracting members from less successful CDR groups and other right-wing
Right-wing politics
In politics, Right, right-wing and rightist generally refer to support for a hierarchical society justified on the basis of an appeal to natural law or tradition. To varying degrees, the Right rejects the egalitarian objectives of left-wing politics, claiming that the imposition of equality is...
or centrist
Centrism
In politics, centrism is the ideal or the practice of promoting policies that lie different from the standard political left and political right. Most commonly, this is visualized as part of the one-dimensional political spectrum of left-right politics, with centrism landing in the middle between...
forces.
Published works
- Herbert Marcuse. Studiu critic ("Herbert Marcuse. A Critical Study"), Editura DaciaEditura DaciaEditura Dacia is a publishing house based in Romania, located on Pavel Chinezul Street 2, Cluj-Napoca. Named after the ancient region of Dacia, it was founded in 1969 by a group of Transylvanian intellectuals, and printed works in Romanian, German and Hungarian.According to its official site,...
, Cluj-Napoca, 1980, 250 p. - Cunoaştere şi sens. Perspective critice asupra pozitivismului ("Cognition and Sense. A Critical Approach of Positivism"), Editura Politică, Bucharest, 1984, 256 p.
- Acţiune şi raţiune în concepţia lui Jürgen Habermas ("Action and Reason with Jürgen Habermas"), Editura Dacia, Cluj-Napoca, 1985, 306 p.
- Raţionalitate, comunicare, argumentare ("Rationality, Communication, Argumentation"), Editura Dacia, Cluj-Napoca, 1991, 327 p.
- Introducere în metodologia şi argumentarea filosofică ("Introduction to Philosophical Methodology and Argumentation"), Editura Dacia, Cluj-Napoca, 1992, 194 p.
- Philosophy in the Eastern Transition, Editura Apostrof, Cluj-Napoca, 1993, 200 p.; (expanded edition), Editura Apostrof, Cluj-Napoca, 1995, 283 p.
- Explorări în actualitate ("Explorations into the Present Time"), Editura Apostrof, Cluj-Napoca, 1995, 187 p.
- Filosofia unificării europene ("The Philosophy of the European Unification"), Editura Apostrof, Cluj-Napoca, 1995, 257 p.; (second edition), Editura Apostrof, Cluj-Napoca, 1997, 392 p.
- Universitatea în tranziţie ("University in Transition"), Editura Apostrof, Cluj-Napoca, 1996, 209 p.
- Academic Reform. A Case Study, Cluj University Press, Cluj-Napoca, 1997, 100 p.
- Reconstrucţia pragmatică a filosofiei ("The Pragmatic Reconstruction of Philosophy"), PoliromPoliromPolirom or Editura Polirom is a Romanian publishing house with a tradition of publishing classics of international literature and also various titles in the fields of social sciences, such as psychology, sociology and anthropology. The company was founded in February 1995. The first title...
, Iaşi, 1998, 193 p. - Educaţia în tranziţie ("Education in Transition"), Editura Dacia, Cluj-Napoca, 1999, 126 p.
- Relativismul şi consecinţele sale ("Relativism and Its Consequences"), Editura Studiilor Europene, Cluj-Napoca, 1999, 200 p.
- Anii reformei: 1997-2000 ("The Years of Reform: 1997-2000"), Editura Studiilor Europene, Cluj-Napoca, 2001, 200 p.
- University Reform Today, Cluj University Press, Cluj-Napoca, 2001, 214 p.
- Bildung und Modernisierung ("Education and Modernization"), Cluj University Press, Cluj-Napoca, 2001, 206 p.
- Introducere în filosofia contemporană ("Introduction to Contemporary Philosophy"), Polirom, Iaşi, 2002, 560 p.
- Ieşirea din trecut (documente şi reflecţii) ("Path out of the Past. Documents and Reflections"), Editura Alma Mater, Cluj-Napoca, 2002, 264 p.
- Filosofia lui Habermas ("The Philosophy of Habermas"), Polirom, Iaşi, 2006, 520 p.
- Diagnoze - Articole şi eseuri ("Diagnoses - Articles and Essays"), Editura Eikon, Cluj-Napoca, 2008, 550 p.