History of Learned Society of Praxeology in Poland

In Memoriam: Dr. Ryszard Banajski

The Learned Society of Praxeology announces with deep regret the death of Dr. Ryszard Banajski, long-time President of the Main Board of the Society and its Honorary Member, who passed away on January 24, 2026, at the age of 81.

Dr. Banajski was an economist by education and a graduate of the Warsaw School of Economics (formerly SGPiS). His scholarly identity, however, was shaped above all by philosophy, ethics, and praxeology. He held numerous academic, professional, and social positions and played a significant role in the development and institutional life of the Learned Society of Praxeology, serving as President of its Main Board from 2004 to 2015.

He was a co-founder of the Philosophy Olympiad and of the publishing company Alteria sp. z o.o., where he also served as president. As an academic teacher, he lectured in philosophy, general ethics, business ethics, administrative ethics, and heuristics at several universities. His scholarly output comprised over 100 scientific publications. He was also a co-editor of the published works of Tadeusz Kotarbiński.

Dr. Banajski served as Editor-in-Chief of Prakseologia i Zarządzanie. Zeszyty Naukowe TNP (Praxeology and Management. Scientific Papers of the Learned Society of Praxeology) and was a member of the Editorial Board of Prakseologia, the annual journal of the Polish Academy of Sciences and the Leon Koźmiński Academy.

Beyond his academic achievements, he was deeply respected for his personal qualities: kindness, patience, openness to others, and strong sense of social responsibility. He will be remembered as a true humanist and an exemplary scholar.

The scientific community of praxeologists has suffered an irreparable loss.

Governing Board

Short history of The Learned Society of Praxiology in Poland

Alfred V. Espinas published paper Les origines de la technologie in 1890, in which first time was showed the definition of praxeology and conception this scientific discipline was presented. The creator of polish praxeology was prof. Tadeusz Kotarbiński (1886-1981), who delivered and published lecture: Goal of activity versus assignment performer in 1913, in paper: Szkice praktyczne. Fundamental monography of T. Kotarbiński it is “Traktat o dobrej robocie” (1955).

Praxeology according to prof. Tadeusz Kotarbiński definition was the universal methodology.

On the basis of the foundation concepts and practical directives concerning efficient operation, formulated by T. Kotarbiński, the praxeological theory of organization was developing as a lower theoretical level of praxeology. Along with the process of developing social relations, issues related to organization and management come down to lower and lower theoretical levels - which does not mean that they are socially less important.

In building a market economy, an ethical orientation in management is necessary; this problem was taken up by praxeologists. Learned Society of Praxeology was the initiator of first initiatives which began scientific activity for business ethics as scientific sub discipline. Three perspectives of researches of praxeology was showed (short name 3E), there was traditional efficiency perspective - included effectiveness and economical aspects and tree aspect - ethics. Main initiator of this conception was prof. Wojciech Gasparski and prof. Anna Lewicka-Strzałecka.

The Learned Society of Praxiology in Poland (LSP) was registered in 1990. Prof. Wojciech Gasparski PhD was the first president of the LSP. The presidency was granted next to following scientists Danuta Miller PhD, Ryszard Banajski PhD and prof. Piotr Masiukiewicz PhD. LSP was created through kindness activity of Chair of Praxiology in Polish Scientific Academy. Holder of this chair was prof. T. Kotarbiński and next prof. Jan Zieleniewski, Tadeusz Pszczołowski, Witold Kieżun and Wojciech Gasparski.

At the request of LSP, the Polish Academy of Sciences designated 2006 as Tadeusz Kotarbiński Year.

LSP was introduced into international forum in consequences of systematically periodic series named Praxiology edition.The full name of this periodic is The International Annual of Practical Philoshophy and Methodology; ed. W. Gasparski.. 25 volumes of the series have been published. LSP make cooperation with scientific annals Prakseologia PAN and have own scientific paper (open acces) Prakseologia i Zarzadzanie. Zeszyty Naukowe TNP (Praxiology and Management Scientific Paper of Learned Society of Praxiology in Poland).

The Scientific Society of Praxeology works for the development and dissemination of Praxeology and related disciplines. It was the organizer of many conferences and seminars on the praxeological and ethical aspects of selected social and economic activities. Interdisciplinary seminars of the Virtual Organization of Activities were held under the patronage of TNP, led by prof. PhD Zbigniew Kierzkowski. The Society participated in the work related to the edition of Tadeusz Kotarbiński's "Complete Works".

LSP participated in annual Scientific Festival in Poland organized by Polish Scientific Academy since 2001. The scientific team of Branch of Business Ethics LSP created first Polish conference for lecturers of business ethics in 1994.

TNP undertook effective cooperation with various institutions; both those interested in researching and disseminating business ethics, and those who want to deepen the perspective of perceiving praxeological issues - such as improving decision-making processes, the role and tasks of leadership in a corporation, implementing corporate social responsibility, etc. TNP has signed cooperation agreements with the National Board of Poland Of the Economic Society, the Polish Bank Association, the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Value Management at the Warsaw School of Economics, the Humanitas University.

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The first Congress of Scientific Associates took place in 2013. Its main organizer was the Council of Scientific Societies at the Polish Academy of Sciences. The resolution adopted by the Congress expressed the conviction that scientific societies, as an integral part of the Polish science system, should find confirmation of their status in the legal system, and should also be financially supported from the state budget and local government funds.

The author: P. Masiukiewicz

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