THE RELEVANCE OF THE THEME POLYCENTRIC WORLD IN A PHILOSOPHICAL-CULTUROLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE: CONTOURS AND ULTIMATE BASIS

Abstract

When discussing a set of problems of the current state of the world order and its prospects in public discourse, scientific texts, and official documents, the terms “multipolarity” and “polycentricity” are used. They are not identical in meaning: each is associated with the key conceptual concept of a pole or center. The allocation of centers presupposes their multiplicity and difference; the allocation of poles is a relationship of contrast, opposition according to clearly defined comparable criteria. In discussions of politicians, experts, analysts, and scientists, centers as actors in the real system of the world order are defined as centers of power; centers of economic, political development, or influence; centers of attraction.
In a philosophical and cultural perspective, the polycentricity of the world can be interpreted as the diversity and interconnection of centers of cultural attraction. These centers, being the focus of unique cultural potential, act as centers of power. They create force fields due to the attractiveness of their cultural code for other participants in the system of relations. The force fields of culture should be considered as a significant integrating factor in the formation of a new world order. The leadership of these centers does not imply hegemony. It is based on the ability to express in cultural means (signs, notions, concepts, etc.) values and meanings that are significant for many in the most adequate way. Between these centers and their force fields, a kind of axis of world cultural interaction arises.
One of the most complex is the question of the principles and foundations of the new world order, the interaction of all actors in the polycentric world. In political science discourse, the principles of justice, indivisible security, fair competition, etc. are indicated. Principles as fundamentals in the theoretical and practical senses can be designated based on the ultimate common ground as the initial setting. In the philosophical and cultural sense, the concept of love, which has an integrating capacity, is of particular importance as an ultimate ground.
A significant contribution to its development was made by P. A. Sorokin, whose research is devoted to the search for positive forces of humanity, necessary for a peaceful arrangement of life and strengthening of peace. The thinker investigated the phenomenon of altruistic love and created a new field of scientific knowledge — amitology (the science of love, the art of cultivating friendship, mutual assistance) with the aim of introducing into practice selfless interpersonal relations as positive and valuable, necessary for the peaceful coexistence of all on one planet Earth.
According to the concept of amitology of P. A. Sorokin, in the conditions of a polycentric world, altruistic love can act as a force that attracts and pulls together different centers. It is a form of conflict-free interaction and cooperation based on good will and consent, without which it is impossible to ensure a stable, safe existence and constructive development of humanity in the present and in the future. Such love is the basis for the establishment and reproduction of the integral order as optimal.
The concept of amitology of P. A. Sorokin can be considered as a method of effective creative, constructive arrangement of a polycentric world, which ensures constructive co-development of different centers, a balance of power, and thus global security.