The article deals with the social functions of a philosophy teacher at a modern university. The assertion about the necessity of a philosopher presence in a university is substantiated: first of all, a philosopher is necessary as a representative of the intelligentsia and an educator of the intelligentsia of subsequent generations. The concept of intelligentsia is considered in the aspect of the unity of the moral and intellectual qualities of the individual. The fundamental difference between the Russian intelligentsia and the intellectuals of the revolutionary eras of the West is analyzed. The attitude of the intelligentsia to the authorities is also considered through the prism of such traits as selflessness and sacrifice. It is stated that the specificity of any historical moment dictates specific requirements for the philosopher, both in ethical and cognitive aspects. The author focuses on the ability to think strategically as a particularly significant feature of the intelligentsia. The article also pays attention to the ability and the characteristic feature of real representatives of intelligentsia to build long-term optimization programs. The author’s definition of the concept of “intellectual” within the framework of educational discourse is proposed — it is a person who is able to think strategically and refrain from extreme judgments, possessing civic courage, moral responsibility, upholding justice at all levels of social relations.
For citation:
Erofeeva K.L. Philosopher in the modern university: a coach or a representative of intelligentsia?, Ivanovo State University Bulletin, Series: Humanities, 2022, iss. 2, pp. 163—173.