Anti-marxist polemics in Mykola Rudenko’s novel-treatise “Formula of the Sun”

Abstract

The research conducted by the Sumy branch of the Serhii Podolynskyi Scientific Society delves into the distinctive artistic legacy of the renowned Ukrainian writer Mykola Rudenko. This study sheds light on Rudenko's integration of ideas from the Ukrainian school of physical economy, which stood in stark contrast to Karl Marx's political economy. Mykola Rudenko, known for his literary prowess, often employed his fictional works to propagate his scientific, economic, and philosophical theories. The treatise “Formula of the Sun”, despite its limited recognition in 20th-century Ukrainian literature, holds a distinct place deserving comprehensive exploration. This novel not only showcases Rudenko's literary craftsmanship but also provides a platform for dissecting the literary discourse of the time. Through a combination of structural, narrative, and polemical elements, Rudenko articulates his worldview within the framework of physical economy. This study endeavors to elucidate the evolution of physical economy as a counterbalance to Marxian economics and to analyze its impact on Rudenko's prose, as evidenced by “Formula of the Sun”. Employing methodologies ranging from analysis and synthesis to a systematic and hermeneutic approach, the research aims to unravel the intricate interplay between literature and economic theory in Rudenko's work.