Antinomies of social and cultural marginality of the Russian intellectuals

The research substantiates the idea of the unique position of the Russian intellectuals in a society that connects social and cultural marginality, isolation from “roots and soil”, on the one hand, and awareness of a special mission and public duty, on the other hand. Ascending and descending marginality is described; different approaches to understanding the concept of intellectuals are compared; the relationship of intellectuals with people and authorities is considered. The study focuses on the problem of cultural loneliness of Russian civilization as a whole as one source of the social and cultural marginality of the Russian intellectuals. The emphasis is laid on the paradox situation of Russian intellectuals in the context of the synthesis of social marginality and social vocation. Understanding the role of intellectuals in the history of Russia is of particular relevance to the modern Russian society.