ABSTRACT

The previous chapters have attempted to sketch some valuable theoretical positions that have been articulated by Russian philosophers and historians in the debate on Russian liberalism during the last two decades. Its purpose was twofold: to introduce Western observers to the conceptual framework of the Russian debate in its diversity and often confusing plurality, and, on the other hand, to prepare the ground for an attempt at synthesis. Before embarking on the latter, a brief summary seems to be in order.