Russia as a civilisation-state: the central idea of Russian philosophy formulated at the National Centre RUSSIA

What is the central idea of Russian philosophy, and why is it important today to understand the place of Russia and Russian thought in the world? These questions were discussed at a meeting of the Literary Club "What to Read?! Meanings" at the National Centre RUSSIA. Alexei Kozyrev, Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy at Moscow State University, and Alexei Chesnakov, Professor at the Faculty of Social Sciences at HSE University and Head of the Scientific Council of the Centre for Political Analysis, shared their views.

Alexei Kozyrev noted that one of the most important questions facing Russian philosophy today concerns the idea put forward by the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin: is Russia an independent and distinctive civilisation?

"Today, this idea is largely taken for granted. However, we clearly need arguments so that we can discuss it not merely as a declaration, but genuinely formulate what makes our civilisation distinctive and what we can offer the world, both today and tomorrow. Russia will strengthen its position, which means that its historical path and its purpose will continue. I do not support using the word 'messianism' in relation to our policy, but I would speak specifically of a mission. That is why the question of Russia's self-understanding as a civilisation-state seems to me to be one of the key issues," said Alexei Kozyrev, Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy at Moscow State University, Head of the Department of the History of Russian Philosophy and Candidate of Philosophical Sciences.

Alexei Chesnakov, Head of the Scientific Council of the Centre for Political Analysis, Professor at HSE University and Candidate of Political Sciences, noted in turn that one of philosophy's most important functions is the search for the meaning of life not only for an individual, but also for society as a whole. He added that the National Centre RUSSIA actively contributes to this search.

"Philosophy allows us to search not only for the meaning of an individual's life, or the meaning of a nation's or civilisation's existence. It is important to understand why society exists, because society is, after all, a community of people. How do Russian sobornost and the numerous internal ties that unite us arise? How are they formed? It is impossible to answer these questions without philosophy. Psychology, sociology and other sciences can help within their own areas of expertise, but they focus more on tools and methods. Philosophy, however, deals with meaning and meanings, and it seems to me that this is one of its most important distinguishing functions. We need spaces such as the National Centre RUSSIA, where these questions can be asked and a wide range of answers can be heard, sometimes directly opposing one another, and where different viewpoints and interests can meet," Alexei Chesnakov concluded.

The Literary Club "What to Read?!" is an original project of the National Centre RUSSIA dedicated to the culture of reading and the public discussion of important contemporary issues. Participation in the club's meetings is free with advance registration on the russia.ru website. The latest event schedule is available in the "Events" section.