ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF “USELESS” KNOWLEDGE AND PHILOSOPHY IN A MODERN UNIVERSITY

The article presents an analysis of several problems of teaching philosophy in a modern Russian university. The ongoing discussions about the goals of discipline and the value of philosophical knowledge indicate the need for further clarification of the problem. The authors believe that in the conditions of the dominance of the pragmatic concept of education, the argumentation of a non-utilitarian approach to humanitarian knowledge is relevant and consider it important to generalize the practical experience of teaching philosophy in a student audience. The method of comparative analysis and generalization of research results on the problems of university philosophy is used, which allowed them to be classified. For the purposes of argumentation, the ideas of B. Russell are actualized. The empirical material for the study of the modern student audience is a questionnaire, materials for monitoring the knowledge of students of the 1st and 2nd courses of St. Petersburg State University, as well as the experience of holding annual conferences based on the results of students' research work. Realizing the need for changes in modern neoliberal education, the authors consider the possibilities of university philosophy that can be implemented in the current system. The article highlights both philosophical-theoretical and practical aspects of the problem of teaching philosophy at the university. Attempts to adapt the content of the philosophy course to the direction of professional training and thus refute its impracticality seem futile, since they are based on the concept of "economic man" and remain in line with utilitarianism. The appeal to the ideas of B. Russell allows us to substantiate the value of "useless" humanitarian knowledge for the individual and society. The philosophy course is considered as a school of critical thinking, considering two factors - the specifics of the modern student audience and the teaching style. The methods contributing to the interest in philosophical knowledge and motivation to study it are noted. Philosophy as an academic subject has significant resources for the implementation of universal competencies and gives direction to those who are trying to consciously form their worldview.