Abstract

Abstract

This paper* presents a hermeneutic analysis of studies on lack from the diverse disciplines of philosophy, theology, psychology, sociology, anthropology and economics and offers interdisciplinary insights about the role of lack in the order of being and daily human existence. The disciplines embraced in this research name and define lack in different ways and address its distinct aspects. Yet, the study reveals essential similarities across the disciplines and leads to a conclusion that lacking is a universal phenomenon that unfolds through diverse forms and manifestations. The social sciences typically concentrate on negative aspects of lack that disguise it as a principle of being, creation, and change. This study takes a step further and focuses on the least explored aspects of lack, those which appear to be positive and essential for the functioning of society. Philosophy finds that lack is one of the primary elements in the structure of being and a fundamental cause of change. Christian theology and Biblical anthropology explains the purposefulness of lacking and incompleteness. It appears to be an inevitable mark of being in body, in space, and in time. This understanding lays the ground for exploring the connection between lack, freedom, and morality. Psychology, sociology, and anthropology show that our negative daily experiences of lack raise tensions and overshadow the understanding of its origin and purpose. Negative economic experiences and the traditional reduction of the universal principle of lack to the shortage of material goods create an illusion that scarcity must be abolished.

* The first edition was published in Leontjeva, E., Vainė, A., Vyšniauskaitė, M. (eds) 2016. Stokos reiškinys: būtis, žmogus ir bendruomenė, Vilnius: Lietuvos laisvosios rinkos institutas, Lietuvos kultūros tyrimų institutas.

Such perceptions create a meaningless confrontation with the reality, society, and oneself. The understanding and acceptance of lack and scarcity make it possible to direct human energy and efforts toward purposeful and productive action, cooperation, and advancement.

Keywords: lack, lacking, scarcity, ontology, form, matter, change, cause, principle, freedom, morality, economy.