Интеллигенция в перспективе межкультурных взаимоотношений: роль философии просвещения и Французской революции в формировании русской интеллигенции
Intelligentsia in Cross-Cultural Perspective: The Role of Enlightenment and French Revolution Played in Forming of Russian Intelligentsia

Summary/Abstract: This article highlights the connection between the two countries: Russia and France, that is the exchange of concepts and ideas between the two cultures, which develop under mutual influence. The forming of the Russian Intelligentsia is a great example of cultural links developing outside of geopolitical interests of nation states. Enlightenment played a role in Russian development by means of theories of inspiring Russian intelligentsia. These theories were later being taken in consideration by the leaders in their ruling tactics. Russian intelligentsia draws their inspirations from the Enlightenment. The 18th century brought enlightenment to Russia, this was a movement among Europe for the modernization of society. Absolute monarchy could no longer rely on religion as the sole basis of it’s indivisible power. The upper classes began to play a significant role in the public life. The reforms of Catherine II are the main consequences of the social change and political context in Europe. It is in this context that we consider the influence of French philosophy on the enlightened part of the Russian nobility, who received privileges due to the service to the absolute monarchy. However, the progressive nobles did not agree with the mission the monarchy gave to them. On the contrary, following the French example, the Russian enlighteners chose as a mission the criticism of the regime. This was reflected by the Decembrist revolt, which served as a basis for the formation of the Russian intelligentsia. French Revolution, in its own right, is both a symbol and an example to be followed by the formed intelligentsia. It creates conditions under which the cultural elite becomes the Progress and the Enlightenment at the time when political elite defies the same values.

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