Summary:
This paper analyzes the trajectory of Chernyshevsky's thought, starting from his official image as a "revolutionary", and gradually penetrating into the philosophical core of his rational egoism, and then to the profound integration of his thought with Christian culture, as well as the theoretical basis and practical orientation of humanism. The article critically examines the limitations of traditional interpretations, arguing that Chernyshevsky is a philosophical humanist who transcends the myth of revolution, and whose contemporary value lies in the unremitting pursuit of individual freedom, social justice, and contribution to global ethical and cultural dialogue.
1. The traditional image of Chernyshevsky and the construction of the revolutionary myth
A. Authorities' perspective
In the official historical narrative, Nikolai Chernyshevsky is portrayed as a radical revolutionary pioneer whose ideas are seen as the theoretical cornerstones of the social revolution and the class struggle. Through the education system, history textbooks and media propaganda, the authorities emphasized Chernyshevsky's resolute attitude against the old order and his deep concern for the liberation of the people, as a heroic figure who pushed history forward. This narrative strategy tends to highlight its political activities and open criticism of the tsarist government, while relatively weakening the complexity and humanism of its philosophical theories, so as to serve the political needs and ideological construction of a specific period.
B. Ideological interpretation
Chernyshevsky's rational egoism and pursuit of individual happiness, which originally contained a deep reflection on individual values and social progress, were reduced to a tool for revolutionary action within a specific ideological framework. By interpreting his theory as a theoretical basis for proletarian revolt, Chernyshevsky's ideas were given a direct political function, becoming a powerful discourse for mobilizing the masses, criticizing the old system, and justifying the revolution. In the process, the philosophical depth of his thought and the discussion of individual freedom were marginalized, while his opposition to authority and his pursuit of equality and justice were magnified, which profoundly influenced the perception and evaluation of Chernyshevsky at that time and in subsequent generations.
C. Limitations of traditional evaluations
Traditionally, the evaluation of Chernyshevsky, especially within the framework of the myth of revolution, has often been too one-dimensional, ignoring the multidimensional and intrinsic complexity of his ideas. First, the over-exaggeration of Chernyshevsky's image as a revolutionary obscures his profound exploration of morality, aesthetics, and humanism as a philosopher. Second, it overemphasizes its role as a political symbol and fails to adequately discuss the complex relationship of its ideas with Russian culture, Christian tradition, and Western philosophy.
In addition, Chernyshevsky's consideration of the balance between individual freedom and social responsibility, as well as his exploration of the tension between individualism and collectivism, are also marginalized in the simplified narrative. Therefore, the limitations of traditional interpretation call for a broader perspective and a deeper re-examination of Chernyshevsky's intellectual legacy.
2. Reinterpretation of rational egoism: beyond the utilitarian framework
A. The core idea of rational self-interest
Chernyshevsky's rational egoism asserts that individuals should consider the overall benefits of their actions to society while pursuing the maximization of their own happiness. He believes that the real interests of the individual and the interests of society are not naturally opposed, but can coexist harmoniously and even promote each other. The core of Chernyshevsky's theory is to emphasize that the self-realization of the individual should be based on contribution to society, that is, the happiness of the individual should not be at the expense of others or the interests of society, but the realization of self-worth in the process of promoting public welfare. This view transcends the narrow perspective of pure individualism and advocates a personal code of conduct based on rational considerations and oriented towards social progress.
B. Refutation of Malicious Utilitarianism
It is a misunderstanding to simply classify Chernyshevsky's rational egoism as utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is often understood as the pursuit of the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people, without regard to the moral nature of individual actions. Chernyshevsky's rational egoism, on the other hand, emphasizes the morality of individual behavior and its positive contribution to society, which requires individuals to follow moral principles when pursuing self-interest, consider long-term consequences, and ensure the positive social effects of individual behavior. This concept is very different from the malicious utilitarianism that can lead to selfish and short-sighted behavior, and it emphasizes the harmonious coexistence of the individual and society, which is a moral and practical transcendence of traditional utilitarianism.
C. Revaluation in a new perspective
In the context of contemporary society, it is of great significance to re-evaluate Chernyshevsky's rational egoism. From an ethical point of view, it provides a moral framework that respects individual values and promotes social justice, helping to solve the modern ethical dilemma between the individual and the collective, between freedom and responsibility. From the perspective of social development, the positive role of rational egoism in promoting social progress and encouraging innovation and cooperation is highlighted.
In the era of rapid change and globalization, the combination of self-development and social responsibility encouraged by rational egoism has a value that cannot be ignored in cultivating civic awareness, promoting sustainable development and building a harmonious society. Therefore, starting from these two dimensions, re-examining rational egoism not only helps to enrich the connotation of ethical theory, but also provides new ideas for guiding social practice and solving practical problems.
3. Chernyshevsky's Thought from the Perspective of Christian Culture
A. Religious background and philosophical integration
Chernyshevsky's upbringing and education were heavily influenced by Orthodox culture, and although he later became critical of some of the Church's traditional teachings, Christian ethics and humanitarian values were deeply embedded in his philosophical system. The interaction of his philosophical ideas with Christian culture is reflected in his emphasis on human dignity, self-sacrifice, and social justice. Chernyshevsky's rational egoism is, to some extent, a rational interpretation of the Christian principle of "love your neighbor as yourself," an attempt to find a balance between individual happiness and social responsibility, which is the modern embodiment of the relationship between the individual and the community in Christian culture.
B. Humanism and the concept of salvation
Chernyshevsky's humanist philosophy was heavily influenced by the Christian idea of salvation, which was reflected in his deep concern for humanity and his urgent call for social reform. He believed that the moral actions of the individual should be directed towards promoting the well-being of all mankind, an idea that echoed the Christian concept of salvation and the purification of the soul through good works. Chernyshevsky's moral outlook emphasizes that the individual should participate in social progress and achieve his own salvation through practical actions, and this practical humanism is a secular interpretation of the Christian concept of salvation, which promotes the importance of moral practice rather than mere faith.
C. The religious dimension of spiritual heritage
In the discussion of contemporary Christian culture, Chernyshevsky's thought provides a unique platform for dialogue and promotes reflection on traditional doctrine and modern ethics. His philosophy, with its emphasis on individual responsibility, social participation, and care for the vulnerable, complemented the Christian conception of social justice and became a source of inspiration for modern Christian ethics and social activism.
Chernyshevsky's elaboration of rational egoism prompted the Christian community to rethink how to find a balance between the preservation of individual values and the promotion of the common good, and how to practice the humanitarian spirit of Christianity in a rapidly changing social environment. In addition, his ideas have also promoted the discussion of the integration of traditional Christian doctrine and modern humanism, and provided a new perspective for the positioning and adaptation of Christian culture in the era of globalization.
Fourth, the theoretical basis and core elements of philosophical humanism
A. Definition and Origin of Humanism
Humanism, as a philosophical thought, emphasizes the centrality of human value, dignity, and potential, and advocates understanding and interpreting the world from a human perspective. Chernyshevsky's philosophical humanism was rooted in the ideas of the 19th-century European Enlightenment, especially the influence of German classical philosophy, such as Kant's rational autonomy and Hegel's philosophy of history, while incorporating the realistic social context of Russia. Chernyshevsky's humanism emphasizes man's practical ability, and believes that man's practical activity is the fundamental way to know the truth and realize his self-worth, and that man's freedom and happiness should be realized and improved in social practice.
B. Human subjectivity and free will
Chernyshevsky attached great importance to human subjectivity, believing that the individual is not only a product of social history, but also an active creator. He emphasized the initiative of human consciousness and will, and believed that human freedom is not abstract and a priori, but obtained through practical activities under concrete social and historical conditions.
Chernyshevsky's concept of freedom is closely integrated with practice, freedom means that individuals have the ability to make choices based on their own rational judgments and bear the corresponding consequences, and this freedom is a prerequisite for personal development and a driving force for social progress. In his view, true freedom is to achieve harmony between the individual and society in social relations, and to expand everyone's free space by improving social conditions.
C. Practical Philosophy and Social Change
Chernyshevsky's humanism is not only a theoretical speculation, but also a practical philosophy. He emphasized that theory must be combined with practice, and that the task of philosophy is to guide people to understand the world and transform it. In his theoretical framework, social change is not automatic or predetermined, but needs to be driven by people through conscious, purposeful practical activities.
Chernyshevsky's humanism encourages people to recognize their own status as the subject of history, to actively participate in social reforms, to raise the level of public consciousness through education, literature, art and other forms, and to promote social justice and the all-round development of mankind. His ideas played an important role in the Russian social movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, inspiring a generation of intellectuals and revolutionaries to awaken and act, and having a profound impact on later social changes and humanitarian practices.
5. The Contemporary Values and Challenges of Chernyshevsky's Thought
A. Adaptability of contemporary society
In contemporary society, Chernyshevsky's humanistic ideas still have a high degree of relevance and application potential. As awareness of individual rights, social justice, and environmental protection grows around the world, his theories provide the theoretical support for addressing these issues.
Chernyshevsky's emphasis on the harmony and unity of individual and social interests provides a way to think about solving issues such as individual alienation, social inequality, and environmental crisis in the era of globalization. Its emphasis on practical philosophy encourages contemporary society to promote human care and social progress through concrete actions, such as through education reform, social policy innovation, and sustainable development projects, to promote a more equitable and inclusive social structure.
B. New interpretations in the context of globalization
In the context of globalization, Chernyshevsky's ideas have been reinterpreted across cultures, and his rational egoism and humanism are seen as universal value pursuits that transcend borders, cultural and economic differences. In today's multicultural world, Chernyshevsky's ideas about human freedom, dignity and self-realization have become an important resource for global ethical dialogue, promoting cross-border understanding of human rights, democracy and civic participation. At the same time, the dynamics of social change in his thinking have stimulated the exploration of localized reform programs in different cultural contexts and promoted the development of global social justice movements.
C. Theoretical and practical challenges
Although Chernyshevsky's humanism has great value in contemporary society, it also faces theoretical and practical challenges in the process of implementation. Theoretically, how to find a dynamic balance between respecting individual freedom and safeguarding the interests of society as a whole, and avoiding a slide into extreme individualism or collectivism, is a persistent problem.
In practice, in the face of increasing economic inequality, political polarization, and environmental degradation, it is necessary to overcome many obstacles, such as the obstruction of interest groups, the uneven distribution of resources, and the disparity of public perception, in order to effectively translate Chernyshevsky's theory of the harmonious coexistence of individuals and society into concrete policies and social actions. In addition, the conflict of cultural diversity and values in the context of globalization may also affect the universality and acceptance of their ideas, and more detailed cultural adaptation and innovative interpretation are needed to promote the effective dissemination and practice of humanism on a global scale.
VI. Conclusion
Through an in-depth analysis of Chernyshevsky's thought, we find that as an outstanding philosophical humanist, he not only put forward a reasonable way of harmonious coexistence of personal interests and social interests at the theoretical level, but also emphasized the role of human subjectivity and free will in promoting social change in practice.
Chernyshevsky's rational egoism transcends simple utilitarianism, and his humanistic thought shows a unique concept of salvation and moral value from the perspective of Christian culture, which has important guiding significance for the ethics and social development of contemporary society. However, Chernyshevsky's thought also has certain limitations, such as the treatment of the relationship between the individual and society is sometimes too idealistic, ignoring the complexity of the real social structure, and the theoretical and practical problems that may be faced in the process of practice.
Author: Lu Xilin
Bibliography:
Selected Works of Chernyshevsky
Chernyshevsky and the Russian Revolution
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