Russian Cosmism in the Perspective of the Pendulum Modernity

Abstract

This paper presents an exclusive intellectual dialogue between Alexander V. Mikhailovsky, a philosopher of technology, and Elena L. Zheltova, a historian of technology. Mikhailovsky – known for his original hermeneutic model analyzing the evolution of debates on technics in 20th-century Germany – elucidates the conceptual foundations of the "reflexive modernity" framework and examines its potential heuristics for studying Russian cosmism. Zheltova provides historical contextualization, critical commentary, and methodological reflections, shaping the discussion through her expertise in the history of technology. The conversation demonstrates how interdisciplinary engagement between philosophy and history can generate new analytical perspectives on philosophy of technology.