Intellectual Dead Ends of Slavophiles and Westernizers: Alexender Herzen’s Decision

Abstract

In one form or another, discussions between Westernizers and supporters of Russia’s ‘Sonderweg’ have been going on for about two centuries. The author states the limitations of these two positions – both Eurocentrism, with its too linear view of world history, and ‘Slavophilism’, fraught with isolationism and rejection of universal values. The paper shows that a productive strategy for reconciliation of the two designated positions was outlined by Alexender Herzen (1812–70). Firstly, the thinker preferred talking not about Russian uniqueness, but the specifics of Russia within the framework of the worldwide process, combining in his concept the universal idea of social emancipation based on Russian authentic institutions. Secondly, Herzen builds his socio-political doctrine on the critique of Europe, which is conducted, however, from the standpoint of universal values of freedom and equality. Thirdly, Herzen selectively refers to the national tradition – appealing to Russian institutions such as the peasant commune (obschina), guild (artel’), veche, Cossack self-government, he simultaneously opposes any apology for Russian history and historical heritage as such. From his point of view, in some cases, tradition can and should be overcome. According to the author, Herzen's intellectual legacy remains relevant in the context of contemporary discussions about Russian identity.