Dialogue of cultures in N.A. Berdyaev’s philosophy of history

Abstract

This article explores the dialogue of cultures in the philosophy of history of N.A. Berdyaev. The concept of culture in Berdyaev’s historiosophical thought is examined, where culture is seen as the preservation of traditions, the memory of the past, and the creation of new values. According to the Russian philosopher, the origins of culture are sacred, its origins are noble, and its achievements are symbolic, individual, and unique in nature. Berdyaev identifies the following periods of cultural development: or¬ganic (creative implementation of values) and critical (civilizational coarsening). It is noted that within organic culture, Berdyaev describes two developmental vectors – conservative and creative. This duality, he argues, accounts for the strength and resilience of culture. In Berdyaev’s historiosophy, the dialogue of cultures manifests in various forms. The most prominent is the encounter between East and West, specifically between Orthodox Russia and Catholic Europe. In Berdyaev’s terminology, the dialogue of cultures is characterized as the “mutual completion of the two experiences and the two paths”. Special attention is given to the fact that the idea of reconciling the two Christian religions originates from V.S. Solovyov. However, recognizing its significance, Berdyaev critically assessed the method of reconciliation proposed by Solovyov, namely the correction of theological dogmas. According to Berdyaev, it is necessary to free ourselves from cultural stereotypes and mutually explore the nature of religious and mystical experience in order to create a space for the encounter of cultures. He believed that Orthodox Russia, with its “messianic sensitivity,” was capable of bringing brotherhood of man and freedom of spirit to the world. It is concluded that at the beginning of the 20th century Berdyaev called for mutual recognition and enrichment of traditions.