Russian Philosophy

Russian philosophy has major political and cultural influences. These different styles of philosophy include members of the Russian enlightenment, existentialists, communists and supporters of Western democracy. Some of the authors of these ideas were teachers, while others were writers and leaders in the government. Many of these philosophers also had an impact on economics and the power of the state.

During the 19^th century, Russian philosophy was opposed to Western ideology. This movement tried to highlight Russia as a separate and unique civilization. These ideas are still the main focus of Russian philosophy. At the same time, novelists like Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoyevsky also featured philosophical arguments in their books. Their novels emphasized the role of the individual in society and the importance of identity.

Russian Positivists

Positivism was an important part of Russian philosophy. This movement believes true knowledge is the result of experience and testing. Positivists argued that Russians should abandon religious mysticism and the customs of the Russian Orthodox Church. Instead, ideas should be open to review and verification. According to the Positivists, all subjects should apply the concepts of science and not rely on religious faith. Critics called these ideas a form of “scientism” and rejected the basis of Positivist philosophy. This philosophy extended its influence to other subjects like sociology, economics, academic research and the humanities.

Russian Existentialism

Authors like Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoyevsky played a leading role in the creation of existentialist thought. According to this theory, the purpose of life rests with each person’s emotions, actions, thoughts and moral responsibilities. These philosophers were completely different than the Positivists. They did not believe science could be applied to things like freedom, guilt, sadness or pain. Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky referenced these ideas in their novels. Many of the characters in these novels struggled with their place in the world and the conflict between right and wrong.

Russian Communism

Communism was another major part of Russian philosophy. This movement had its most powerful impact with the Communist Revolution of 1917 and the overthrow of the tsarist government of Russia. The communists believed in materialism. This concept argued that only physical reality was the basis of existence. Like the Positivists, the communists were opponents of religion and the Russian Orthodox Church.

After the revolution of 1917, the communists outlawed private property and attacked many religious groups. The communists believed that economics determined the fate of society. As a result, they opposed capitalism and free trade. These ideas formed the basis of the Soviet Union and were part of the Cold War. Today, communism has less control over Russian education and politics. There is a greater emphasis on personal freedom and democracy among most Russian philosophers.