“Reception of Reception”, or About The Russian Russeliana

A Review on: Nikonenko, S.V. Philosophy of Bertrand Russell in the Context of Russian Philosophical Thought. Bertrand Russell. Selected Essays, translated by S.V. Nikonenko. Saint Petersburg: RKhGA Publ., 2023. 456 p.

Abstract

The review presents the reader with a monograph authored by Sergey V. Nikonenko, Doctor of Philosophy and Professor at St. Petersburg State University. The work of the researcher is characterized by the author of the review as an important and original work on the “reception of reception” of Bertrand Russell’s philosophical views in the history of Russian philosophical thought. The detailed study of the material and the author’s attention to detail are noted. The analysis, bringing together a large number of different opinions and carefully correlating them with Russell’s true thought also deserves special attention from both specialists and readers who are not familiar with the topic. The sustained neutral attitude towards the works of predecessors and colleagues allows us to fairly objectively assess the influence of ideology on philosophical research using the example of Soviet Russell interpreters. Several examples demonstrate how the imposition of certain philosophical optics and the restriction in the use of sources leads to false interpretations and misleading conclusions. Throughout the work, the contrast between the works of Soviet and Russian scientists associated with different socio-political contexts is demonstrated. Some of the shortcomings inherent in the work under consideration are not overlooked. Some of them are caused by the controversial nature of the terms themselves and the inaccuracy of some formulations, but some shortcomings are more systematic, while not making the work unworthy of attention, but opening space for discussion and making a significant contribution to the little-developed field of research of Russian analytical philosophy. The potential for the development of controversy is noted on a few issues raised by Nikonenko regarding the interpretation of Russell’s ideas, in particular, the question is raised about the fairness of separating the ethical views of the philosopher from the views of other philosophers, usually classified as emotivists.