a society, such as the U.S. and most European countries, in which individuals have freedom of movement and there are no restrictions on travel to and from other countries; public buildings and officials are relatively accessible, secrecy is at a minimum and there is a free flow of information. The opposite of a closed society, such as Albania and North Korea, which do not permit free travel or open intercourse with other countries.

a society that allows its members considerable freedom (as in a democracy); "America's open society has made it an easy target for terrorists"

a concept originall developed by philosopher Henri Bergson

a permeable society

a society based on the recognition that nobody has a monopoly on the truth , that different people have different views and interests, and that there is a need for institutions to protect the rights of all people to allow them to live together in peace

a society in which human rights, are accepted as universal, and in practice and law are acknowledged

a society vulnerable to terrorists

a society which allows its members the greatest possible degree of freedom in pursuing their interests compatible with the interests of others

a society with wide dissemination of information and freedom of belief. See: [Popper45a/b].

An open society is a concept originally developed by philosopher Henri Bergson. In open societies, government is responsive and tolerant, and political mechanisms are transparent and flexible. The state keeps no secrets from itself in the public sense; it is a non-authoritarian society in which all are trusted with the knowledge of all.