The Role of Myth in Extremism: the Socio-Philosophical Analysis

Abstract

This study examines myth as an ideological component of extremism. The objective is to define the role and meaning of myths in extremist activities. Extremism is a socio-cultural and political phenomenon of modern culture, expressed in actions against the foundations of the constitutional order and public security. Myths contribute to the formation of a holistic picture of the world, to the construction of an alternative social reality, and the creation of models of thinking and behavior that correspond to the goals and objectives of extremist organizations. The research methodology is based on the theories of myth by A. Losev and M. Eliade, on the phenomenological approach of P. Berger and T. Luckmann to the construction of reality, on the cognitive features proposed by A. Kruglanski, and the interpretation of deviance by J. Gilinsky. Extremist behavior is a form of deviance, expressing in the committing of non-normative actions that threaten the stability of society and activate the mechanisms of social control. Extremist thinking is the result of psychological construction, which arose on the basis of the unnatural functioning of the cognitive system. Extremist ideologies contain myths about the future ideal state and/or society, heroes, and legendary personalities, as well as eschatological myths. Essentially, these myths do not differ from the myths inherent in other types of activity and socio-cultural phenomena. However, they contribute to extremism by demonstrating acceptable and unacceptable norms of behavior as exemplified by some legendary personalities; interpretation of historical events and processes of social reality following the political goals of organizations; creation and transmission of relevant ideas and values; the formation of identity and a sense of exclusivity among extremists. Keywords: extremism, extremist organizations, ideology, myth, future state, ideal society, deviance