Диалектика вызова и ответа в концепции генезиса цивилизаций А.Дж. Тойнби: социально-философский анализ

Abstract

This article is devoted to a socio-philosophical analysis of the concept of Challenge and Response developed by the renowned British philosopher Arnold J. Toynbee, author of the famous historical and philosophical work A Study of History. The main idea of the Challenge and Response concept as applied to the history of the emergence and development of world civilizations is the continuous change of cycles from a static state to a dynamic one as key to the genesis of civilizations. Toynbee rejects racial and territorial determinism, as he finds no strong connection between the actual picture of the emergence of civilizations and these factors. Instead, the English philosopher suggests focusing on the model of challenge as a clash between two superhuman forces, the roots of which stem from mythological plots. In analyzing specific examples, Toynbee provides a classification of challenges, dividing them into challenges from the natural and human environments, which he calls stimuli. The analysis of affiliated civilizations focuses on the process of internal differentiation and the separation of the ruling minority from the proletariat in the process of civilization's rebirth. The author analyzes the challenges faced by Russian civilization in recent years, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the special military operation, etc. In conclusion, it is argued that Toynbee's concept remains relevant and has prognostic potential.