Russian Philosophy. Her Imperial Majesty and Balm for Wounds of the Soul: Who are Russian Philosophers and What Do They Want?

Abstract

The field of Russian philosophy is a particularly Russian philosophical school, whose main subject is to defend the Russian Emperor against criticism from within the country. The work of Russian philosophers was to convince Russian subjects of the fairness and rationality of the Emperor’s every decision. Revolutions notwithstanding, Russia’s political system has changed very little. The techniques of defending the Emperor from bourgeois and peasant discontent first developed in the 19 th century, and remain largely relevant to this day. By defending the Emperor, Russian philosophers participate in the day-to-day polemics in the media. They also multiply the images of correct, authority-approved behavior. They turn to particular argumentation to discourage an active civic stance, above all. They may be offering particular interpretations of Gospel parables, appeals to family values or to medieval, or imperial esthetics. For all of its mindfulness of the will of the Emperor, the ideology of Russian philosophers may help Russian citizens. It points to a strategy of existence aimed at avoiding conflict with the Emperor. In addition to providing protection, this strategy makes a moral case for loyalty. Russian philosophy elevates loyalty to the heights of religion, treats it as service to God, and thus hides its true political essence. The Russian philosopher is never fully aware of his role in Russia’s political system. This makes his ideas convincing, while also making his pronouncements more colourful and attractive.