UDC

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Abstract

This article analyses the sociological views of K.M. Takhtarev and B.N. Chicherin on the relationship and interaction between the emerging civil society and state power in Russia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The author estimated the value of these opinions and key theoretical propositions of the above scholars for the formation of modern civil society in Russia. The scope of Takhtarev’s scientific interests included the general theory of sociology, its history and relationship with other sciences. Takhtarev opposed Marxist understanding of class struggle, believing that the future of society lies in political cooperation, solidarity and agreement between the various social groups. The ultimate winner, in his opinion, would be the creative socialized labour that would bring about a new social order and replace violence with the principle of popular sovereignty. According to Takhtarev, the purpose of this new society and state is to ensure a full and perfect life with equal rights and opportunities; it is this view that is primarily analysed in the paper. For B.N. Chicherin, protection of personal rights is linked with the idea of order. He had consistently advocated strong state power, fiercely and vigorously condemning all manifestations of the revolutionary spirit. This repelled Russian liberal society, striving for reforms, from Chicherin while at the same time made him valuable in the eyes of the government. However, Chicherin’s conservative reputation is true only in part. It is well known that he was the leader of a small group of liberal professors at Moscow University, where he lectured.

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References

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