The Ways of Professional Philosophy Development in Russia

The paper deals with the history of professional, or university, philosophy in Russia. Having appeared in 18th century, professional philosophy has been playing the leading role in dissemination and popularization of philosophical ideas, formation of conceptual thinking and working out of Russian philosophical terminology. Nevertheless, nearly three hundred year history of professional philosophy gives grounds to consider it deficient. In addition, its relationship with authorities was uneasy. More than once philosophy, including in universities, was banned and subjected to persecution. Moreover, the authorities’ utilitarian approach to philosophy did not stimulate its development as speculative practice. It is not odd that more often professional philosophy was turning into ideology, which impacted on its own nature adversely