Sociology and Metaphysics of Technique by N.A. Berdyaev. To commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Russian Thinker

Abstract

The article examines the social philosophy of technique by N.A. Berdyaev, which he positions as Christian-personalistic-socialistic. Its main provisions are reconstructed, “metaphysical” and “sociological” aspects are identified. It is shown, firstly, that Berdyaev refers to metaphysics of technique as a criticism of the modern idea of man considering himself to be “homo faber” or a “tool-making animal”, which arose as a result of him violating the eternal order of values and idolizing technique. Secondly – that, according to Berdyaev, technique creates an ontologically “new reality”, which, in turn, determines the specifics of the modern “technical and economic” era. Thirdly, that a correct from a Christian standpoint, spiritualized attitude of man towards technique is a necessary and essential element of Berdyaev’s apocalyptic eschatology. Sociology of technique is interpreted by the Russian thinker as social philosophy and philosophy of history. In their light, on the one hand, the cultural and real-historical prerequisites for the emergence of the “technical” era are revealed — Berdyaev considers humanism and capitalism to be such, respectively — on the other hand, ways are proposed to overcome its essential flaws in the light of the personalistic-socialistic ideal of society. At the beginning of the article and at the conclusion the author emphasizes the relevance of Berdyaev’s philosophical ideas in the context of recent historical realities.