On the 95th Anniversary of Academician I.T. Frolov

Abstract

In the article dedicated to the anniversary of the outstanding Russian philosopher Academician Ivan Timofeevich Frolov, an attempt is made to give a general assessment of his work from the perspective of today. His main scientific achievements are briefly listed. Emphasis is placed on the area of his philosophical studies that is increasingly coming to the fore as the most relevant: the future of man and new technologies. A general description of I.T. Frolov’s approach to the problem of human interaction with new technologies, especially biotechnologies is given. It talks about I.T. Frolov's criticism of neo-eugenics, which was essentially directed against the transhumanism that arose in the last decade of his life. He considered any manipulation of human genetic nature, which is motivated by commercial or political considerations, dangerous to the survival of humanity. It is noted that I.T. Frolov considered it possible to proceed to the creation of organisms with a programmed set of genetic characteristics only if such conditions as achieving social homogeneity of society and the progress of the scientific study of human biology are met. The evolution of philosophical and socio-political views of I.T. Frolov is traced, the main stages of their development are identified. Characteristics are given of the concept of humane democratic socialism, which I.T. Frolov always adhered to. In conclusion, it talks about the ideas associated with the conditions and prospects for the revival of Russia to which I.T. Frolov came in the last years of his life. Among such ideas, he included historical reconciliation, which would allow the best of all stages of the country’s development to be included in the national identity, and a focus on the priority of man in all aspects of the life of Russian society.