Chernyshevskian

Chernyshevskian refers to ideas, theories, or concepts associated with Nikolai Chernyshevsky, a prominent Russian revolutionary democrat, philosopher, literary critic, and writer of the 19th century. His most influential work, the novel "What Is to Be Done?", published in 1863, is central to understanding Chernyshevskian thought.

Chernyshevsky's philosophy is characterized by its materialism and utilitarianism. He rejected idealism and metaphysics, arguing that reality is purely material and that human actions should be guided by rational self-interest, which he equated with the common good. This concept, known as "rational egoism," suggested that individuals would discover that their greatest happiness lay in working for the betterment of society.

In terms of social and political thought, Chernyshevskianism advocated for radical social change, often through revolutionary means. He was a strong proponent of peasant emancipation and a supporter of a decentralized, cooperative social order, sometimes described as a form of agrarian socialism. His critique of autocracy and the existing social hierarchy was sharp and uncompromising.

The literary style and thematic concerns found in Chernyshevsky's writings, particularly "What Is to Be Done?", also contribute to the meaning of Chernyshevskian. The novel famously introduced the archetype of the "new man" or "super-man," an individual dedicated to revolutionary ideals, characterized by their strong will, rationality, and self-sacrifice for the collective. This figure, along with the novel's focus on social utility and the critique of bourgeois values, became influential for subsequent generations of Russian revolutionaries and intellectuals.