Nikita N. Moiseev’s civilization study approach

Abstract

The paper is devoted to the research of ideas in the field of civilizational problems, which were proceeded by the scientist and the encyclopedist, the academic of RAS Nikita Moi­seev. It is told about the life and the career of the scientist, about why and how he, a spe­cialist in mathematics and mechanics, came gradually to study philosophy, economics, international relations, political analysis, ecology and socio-political journalism. It is shown what place was occupied by civilizational problems in his scientific and journalis­tic work. The author's definition of “civilization” is analyzed. The specificity of N.N. Moiseev's interpretation of civilization as modern humanity as a whole is studied. It is investigated the author's justification of the values of civilization diversity and the futility of civilization unification. The analysis of the thinker's interpretation of Russia as a state-civilization, as well as the civilizational specifics of Russia. The essence of the crisis of modern civilization in the interpretation of N. N. Moiseev is comprehended. The essence of the classical question of Russian social thought is shown, which has always been the question ”What to do?”. This question is posed as part of the philosophical and political creativity of the scientist. Moiseev's reasoning on ways of possible overcoming the crisis of civilization and ways of “preserving the future existence” for Russia are ana­lyzed. The leading role of science and education in overcoming civilization crises accord­ing to the views of N. N. Moiseev is shown. The analysis of Moiseev's ideas in the field of peaceful interaction of different civilizations is given.