Philosophy as critique of ideologies. Part II

Abstract

This article seeks to explain a specific interpretation of the relation between philosophy and ideology which emerged in the period of 'Moscowphilosophical thaw' and gained considerable popularity with the Sixtiers. The author centres his attention on two neo-Marxist theories, the theory of thinking as developed by Evald Ilyenkov and the theory of consciousness expounded by Merab Mamardashvili. It can be shown that both theories have much in common: they both use the term 'ideology' only as a pejorative; they share a similar understanding of 'the ideal' (Ilyenkov) and 'the form' (Mamardashvili); they give equally deep consideration to the problem of illusions, objective appearances, 'objective forms of thinking' and 'converted forms'. Not only do Ilyenkov and Mamardashvili engage in a complex reciprocal interaction, they also interact with Kant as author of the essay on What is Enlightenment? An analysis of this 'timeless co-authorship' demonstrates that no struggle for the liberation of humankind from the power of ideologies can be successful unless a) a radical reform of education has been accomplished, b) philosophical education is promoted in a form that is free from the drawbacks and limitations of traditional enlightenment.