UDC

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Abstract

Arctic philosophy is viewed as a part of the philosophy of the North, a school complementary to the eastern and western philosophies. Within its framework, the North is not only an object but also a subject of philosophical reflection. This article offers a generalized summary of M.E. Nikolaev’s ideas (the first president of the Republic of Sakha) on Arctic philosophy, exemplified by the Sakha people. In his numerous works, Nikolaev dwells on the burning issues of the Arctic, the historical experience of the Sakha people and their prospects in the face of global challenges. Nikolaev sees the nature and content of Arctic philosophy as being conditioned by the circumpolar culture and Arctic civilization. The extreme conditions of the region have taught people to steer a middle course and take careful, balanced decisions. On these grounds, Nikolaev suggests considering the circumpolar civilization as a civilization of reason. Describing the philosophical thought of the Sakha people, he first of all draws our attention to the fact that one of the spiritual foundations of circumpolar civilization is folk wisdom. Speaking about its practical value in everyday life, Nikolaev stresses that in order to survive in the North one has to stay composed and moderate. In the end, Arctic philosophy is identified as a northern variant of the philosophy of life, its defining values being national pragmatism and measure, the future, reason and collective will to life, optimism and humanism. Of particular importance is M.E. Nikolaev’s idea of morality as the foundation of circumpolar culture. This idea allows us to suggest a socio-philosophical principle of moral determinism, i.e. the leading and decisive role of moral relations in ensuring viability of Arctic communities.

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References

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