The anthropological ethics of Chernyshevsky: "reasonable egoism" is altruism

This article explores the concept of "rational egoism" in the context of N.G. Chernyshevsky's anthropological ethics, as reflected in his article "The Anthropological Principle in Philosophy" and in the novel "Chto Delat'?". A person is neither good nor evil by nature, and external circumstances strongly influence people's actions; these circumstances shape a person's character and behavior, although inner work and personal transformation are still possible. The conclusion reached by the author of ethics is that the true basis of an individual's "evil" intentions is unmet personal needs. What is to be done? Chernyshevsky outlines a detailed plan of action in his eponymous novel. The correction of a person's egoistic tendencies by reason can lead to the creation of a modern altruistic society based on mutual benefit and decency. The article employs a comparative method through textual and cultural analysis to interpret the ideas of Chernyshevsky, Holbach, Comte, and Lavrov. Anthropological ethics are revealed through Lavrov's text: the true egoistic ideal is a self-developing personality, such as Bazarov or Rakhmetov. Such passionate individuals existed in 19th century Russia and served as role models for the younger generation. As a result of all the above, one can conclude that anthropological ethics essentially underpins the ethical theory of the French materialists of the 18th century and the positivists of the 19th century. Furthermore, the Russian socialist Chernyshevsky builds his utopian society based on the satisfaction of natural human needs: the striving for self-realization, love, and personal and social benefit. Chernyshevsky understands that the main goal is to create a harmonious society where the interests of all participants are respected and the principles of communal living are adjusted, thus transforming innate egoistic behavior into altruism. A significant contribution to the research activity dedicated to studying the phenomenon of "altruism" is the method of interpreting the text "The Anthropological Principle in Philosophy" through Lavrov's article "Essays on Practical Philosophy" and the novel "Chto Delat'?". Lavrov expands the horizon of personal development from a primitive egoist living to satisfy his instincts to the highest ideal of self-development: an educated, willful, honest, healthy, physically strong rational egoist acting for the benefit of others.

altruism, rational egoism, nihilism, Chernyshevsky, Holbach, Lavrov, Comte, anthropological ethics, Chto delat’, Otcy i deti