Reforming education and science in Russia as manipulating with the mass consciousness

In: Moscow State University Bulletin. Series 18. Sociology and Political Science, Band 26, Heft 4, S. 48-75

Abstract

The technique and methods of manipulating with the mass consciousness started to attract the attention of researches at the latter half of the XXth century, although the practice of such forms of influence on the mass audience existed almost at the earliest stages of human development. Paralogisms as a way of rhetorical influence on the listener were specified by Aristotle, who dedicated his students into the sacraments of exposing false arguments and other manipulative techniques with which the speaker is working with the audience. The modern manipulators are actively using both ancient and modern methods of influencing the mass consciousness. Researches of various specialties were describing and exposing them: among them sociologists, psychologists, political scientists, and journalists. In the present work the author demonstrates how through the usage of the ancient archetypes of the collective unconscious, as well as new manipulative practices (that were invented for the unhindered sale of goods and services that can guarantee getting of surplus profits) large capital holders are seeking for changing the value orientations of society, that leads to the reformation of the various social institutions. These reforms are causing the irreparable damage to the majority of the country's population, are infringing rights and social privileges, but allow to the financial and industrial syndicates to establish the full control not only over wallets, but also over people's minds. Manipulations of consciousness, conducted through the media, are making large social groups of people to vote against their own interests. The result of the reforms is not only the impoverishment of the citizens, but also the huge change in the appearance of the cultural elite. A significant help to manipulators in achieving their goals becomes the digitalization of all aspects of social and cultural life.