The Concept of Courage in A. N. Radishchev s Works in the Light of Russian Enlightenment

본 논문은 라디셰프의 작품에 드러난 용기의 개념을 살펴보는 것이다. 18세기 후반의 러시아는 농노제와 전제정에 기반하여 차르의 강력한 통치권이 유지되었다. 따라서 귀족과 시민들은 실제 생활에서의 자유는 물론 사상의 자유도 충분히 누릴 수 없었다. 라디셰프가 보기에 이러한 상황을 타계하기 위해서는 강력하고 용기 있는 리더의 출현이 절실하였다. 본 논문은 라디셰프의 이러한 용기에 대한 개념이 어떻게 출현하였으며 어떻게 후세에 전달되는지 그 메커니즘을 연구한다. 이를 위해 18세기 후반의 러시아 계몽주의의 맥락을 충분히 참고하고자 한다.

This article explores concepts of courage and its role in Alexander Nikolayevich Radishchev’s works. 18th century Russian society was governed by despotism and serfdom systems by the tsars. The social environment of the civilians and noblemen was bleak, as they were deprived not only of physical freedom, but also of freedom of thought. According to Radishchev’s idea of natural law and his view on humanity, serfdom and despotism corrupt both society and humans. From Radishchev’s point of view, a powerful and courageous leader was needed to overcome it. This article analyzes the mechanisms of the genesis and proliferation of Radishchev’s idea of what it is to have courage throughout his works, especially in A Journey from St. Petersburg to Moscow. In addition, the meaning of courage in 18th century Russian culture also is explored through cultural contexts.