The monograph Traces of Justice: From the Cosmopolis to the Algorithm by Dr. Goran Bašić (Belgrade, 2025) has been published by the Institute of Social Sciences, offering a comprehensive theoretical and analytical framework for understanding social inclusion as one of the key challenges of contemporary democracies.
Drawing on classical philosophical concepts of justice, the author connects their historical legacy with contemporary public policies and the development of digital technologies. The monograph traces the intellectual history of social inclusion – from ancient and Christian notions of justice, through the emergence and evolution of the European welfare state, to contemporary forms of inequality in the European Union, the Western Balkans, and Serbia.
Special attention is given to evidence-based social inclusion policies, alongside a critical examination of the limitations of existing statistical approaches and an emphasis on the need for data grounded in a human rights–based approach.
The final section of the book introduces the concept of “algorithms of empathy”, exploring the ethical and social implications of the use of digital tools and artificial intelligence in monitoring inequalities and shaping inclusive public policies.
The monograph is intended for researchers, policymakers, students of the social sciences, and all readers interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the relationship between knowledge, justice, and contemporary society.
