The concept of "intelligentsia" in the subject matter of social philosophy
The article deals with the actual problem of the essential meaning of «intelligentsia», itsparadigmatic content in modern social philosophy. Analysis of the problem aimed to identify the intelligentsia, determine its social role and place in the structure of society. Intelligentsia as a specific social phenomenon appealed to fulfil a conscious and enterprising role in formulating, maintaining and transmitting national values and traditions. To determine the main features of intelligentsia influenced the historical, cultural, national factors that cause variation and semantic content of the concept of «intelligentsia», determine its place in the structure of society and social roles and functions, particularly in the period of social transformation. However the question of identification intelligentsia in social structure, its differentiating as a specific and especial social phenomenon is still open. Significant spreading and differentiation of connotations «intelligentsia» associated with the German philosophy of the late XVIII - early XIX century. German philosophers (J. Fichte, G. Hegel, F. Schelling) characterized intelligentsia as intellect, subject, contemplating, cognizing and creating objective reality and material world. However, intellectuals are common phenomenon that fills the concept of«intelligentsia» with ambiguous and controversial content. K. Marx and F. Engels «endowed» intelligentsia with some interests and distinctive features: education, brainwork, spreading of scientific skills and culture. Post-revolutionary France and Germany in mid-nineteenth century characterized with division of society into classes and thus fragmentation intelligentsia of that time. In the second half of the nineteenth century class struggle deepened, the number of industrial intelligentsia grew, it became politically active. Therefore, intelligentsia has been increasingly identified with brainworkers. At that time the concept «intelligentsia» spread in the Russian Empire. P. Boborykin depicted in his writings the types of intelligentsia who were willing to sacrifice the material goods to exchange their mercantile interests of the high generous notions. At about that time began the long discussion of the identification and social function of intelligentsia. The anthology of articles «Vehi» / «Landmarks» takes оne of the leading places among the researches about intelligentsia, specifically Russian. The authors of«Vehi» researched the world outlook and social role of the Russian intelligentsia in particular historical - revolutionary - period. They pointed out the «lack» of spirituality, morality, civic position, rejection of the absolute values of the Russian intelligentsia during the transformation of society. If we consider intelligence as the main feature of intelligentsia, its erudition, professionalism and service all sections of the population, it can be distinguished as a social group. Significant automation and mechanization of modern life, the use of scientific, technical progress and innovation, the development of media and communication have led to substantial changes in professional structure. There is a «fragmentation» of specialization, so the number of employees at different levels of the professional structure increases. In addition, a significant part of work is automated, reducing human participation in workflow. Work is mechanized, potential and personal expression accumulated. Therefore, the definition of intelligentsia is getting narrow, concrete, priority is given to the creative professions. Intelligentsia defined as a social stratum, it given active civic position, social competence, able to create, spread and maintain national cultural values and traditions. However, these basic features are too general, so it’s difficult to determine exactly the place of intelligentsia in social structure. Following the high spiritual and moral values distinguish intelligentsia among the masses. It is difficult to explain the activation of social activities of intelligentsia during the transformation of society and the fulfillment of the main social and cultural feature, messianic role - fixing and transmission of national values, ensuring the stability of historical national memory. The research attempted to define the intelligentsia as a social phenomenon. A concorde combination of rational and sensual allows it to enable as a «guide» of national traditions between generations and in periods of social transformation.