Politics, Law, and Morality: Essays by V.S. Soloviev

Description

Considered one of Russia’s greatest philosophers, Vladimir Soloviev (1853–1900) was also a theologian, historian, poet, and social and political critic. His works have emerged to enjoy renewed attention in post–Soviet Russia, and his concerns echo in contemporary discussions of politics, law, and morality. In this collection of Soloviev’s essays—many translated into English for the first time—the philosopher explores an array of social issues, from the death penalty to nationalism to women’s rights. Soloviev reacts against the tradition of European rationalist thought and seeks to synthesize religious philosophy, science, and ethics in the context of a universal Christianity. In these writings he reveals the centrality of human rights in his Christian worldview, not only as an abstract theory but also as an inspiration in everyday life. In a substantive introduction and copious annotations to the essays, Vladimir Wozniuk points out distinctive and often overlooked features of Soloviev’s works while illuminating his place within both the Russian and Western intellectual traditions. Contents Foreword Acknowledgments Introduction 1. Christianity and Revolution 2. Morality and Politics 3. On the Christian State and Society 4. The Social Question in Europe 5. Nationality from a Moral Point of View 6. The Significance of the State 7. Sunday Letters 8. Law and Morality 9. Plato’s Life-Drama 10. The Idea of a Superman 11. A Brief Tale about the Antichrist Appendix A. The Jews in Russia Appendix B. Panmongolism (a poem) Appendix C. Letter to Tsar Nikolai II Notes Index Index of Biblical References