Closed discussion permits dialogue only among a few. By opening dialogue, different opinions can be expressed, and therefore, an open society encourages the dialogue necessary to resolve conflicts between individuals and institutions. A society is the totality of individuals and institutions. Therefore, the society includes public and private individuals, government institutions, economic institutions, mass media and all other institutions of the society. In an open society, individuals and institutions must be allowed to disagree.
Conflict is an inherent feature of human nature.
A closed society attempts to eliminate conflict or allow conflict only among elites. An open society allows conflict at all levels of the society and becomes a method to resolve conflict. The most important feature of an open society involves an understanding among individuals and institutions that openness is itself a value. The value of openness comes from the trust which it can build. Openness promotes transparency and allows for the exchange of opinions necessary in a society.