Sharp Edges of the Social Ideal (From Old Discussions to the Present)

The author outlines the views on social ideal of Russian thinkers from Vladimir Solovyov to Georgij Fedotov. Solovyov, advancing Fyodor Dostoevsky’s ideas, viewed the social ideal as a realization of the doctrine of universal solidarity and free development of a person under spiritual guidance of the Universal Church. This ecumenic and theocratic utopia had not received any recognition in Russian society, torn apart by unsolvable social and cultural conflicts. Pavel Novgorodtsev, generally sharing on the whole Solovyov’s views, thought that only the constitutional state could put these into effect. Konstantin Pobedonostsev pinned his hopes on monarchy, which would embrace popular religious and cultural traditions and oppose the “destructive” liberal reforms, while Nicolay Berdyaev believed in intelligentsia “transformed” by the idea of freedom. Georgij Fedotov called for the revival of the “need for freedom” and creation of the institutes executing spiritual development of society. The problem of the social ideal is relevant in modern Russia, though discredited by the neglect of cultural values, and above all, the devaluation of personal freedom. The prospect of a new cultural elite to overcome this remains vague.