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SLAV 164D - RUSSIAN COSMISM - Winter 2023
The class offers a survey of (Russian) Cosmism. Russian Cosmism is a philosophical movement that emerged in the early 1900s when many scientific discoveries were taking place, such as the discovery of radioactivity, viruses, and galaxies other than the Milky Way. Russia's governmental system was also transforming into a state capitalistic and socialist system, and nationalism was expanding more than ever. Many new, and even anarchist movements were also arising as a result, sometimes in retaliation, such as the Futurist movement. Russian Cosmism therefore was a way to answer many anxiety-laden questions that were arising as a result of the changes taking place in Russian society. Such questions also inquired about the meaning of life, and why such changes were even occurring in the first place. In finding answers to such questions, humans could then figure out ways for how to control themselves as a society, as well as their environment, and therefore, save themselves from any future self-destruction.