Можно ли утверждать, что Российское государство – особая цивилизация?

Abstract

The article raises the question: “can we consider a single state a civilization?”. Based on historical and political analysis, it is shown that the state and civiliza­tion are connected indirectly with each other. As the result of the analysis of rela­tions between the state and people are distinguishing such principal features of the state, which are not combined with the signs of civilization. It is argued that the existence of the state does not depend on civilizational principles. The state may or may not pursue policies related to the development of civiliza­tion. However, even policies aimed at the development of civilization can bring unpredictable results if it is not related to the culture of the people. This thesis is illustrated by the example of the history of Russia. Although the appearance of urban life is closely connected with the stage of civilizational development, it is obvious that references to historical examples of antiquity cannot serve as a reliable means for identifying the features that characterize civilization. With an etymological approach to the definition of civilization, as a derivative of civile, we fall into the trap of a hasty generalization, called F. Bacon “idols of the Tribe”. The modern concept of a nation-state contradicts civilization both in the field of everyday discourse and in terms of cultural policy. It is argued that the only sign that defines civilization can be culture.