France and French Philosophy: My Life and Scientific Career

In the article, the author writes about his formation as a scientist, about contacts with French colleagues and his research in the field of French philosophy of history. The author took an internship in Paris in 1972-1973. His research supervisor was the outstanding French philosopher, sociologist and political scientist, founder of the critical philosophy of history R. Aron. Under this guidance, he wrote a doctoral dissertation in modern philosophy of history. The article emphasizes that French historical science, strongly influenced by positivism (with its rejection of philosophical methodology), has come to a standstill. It was Aron who played the most important role in overcoming this impasse, proclaiming the need to identify the possibilities of historical knowledge using philosophical methodology. The article discusses Aron’s criticism of the interpretations of Marxism by J.-P. Sartre, M. Merleau-Ponty, and L. Althusser. Aron called these interpretations “imaginary Marxism,” believing that the above authors only called themselves Marxists, but, in reality, they used a different methodology. The author notes that Aron was not only an outstanding scientist but also had a wonderful personality. He was very responsive and humane, helping the author in solving certain personal issues. The article also analyzes the views of representatives of the Annales school, who played a great role in criticizing positivism. The author personally met the prominent French historian F. Braudel, the leader of the second wave of this school. The article notes that Marxist philosophy occupies an important place in the spiritual life of France. Much attention is paid to the work of the world famous French Marxist philosopher L. Althusser, with whom the author maintained friendly relations until his death in 1990. I.A. Gobozov continues to be friends and collaborates with many French philosophers.

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