The Category of Mentality as a Basis for Analyzing the Phenomenon of Cultural Constants and Their Transformations

Introduction . The article is devoted to the analysis of the diversity of types of cultures in the life of modern man and the role of the polymental nature of society in this process. The author examines the phenomenon of mentality, its connection with history, culture and society, as well as the peculiarities of the Russian mentality and its historical role. The article examines the features of the modern world that determine the active interaction of various mentalities: the radical transformation of the bipolar world, the dominance of ideological, economic and administrative systems, as well as the reflection of the problem of the polymental nature of society. The purpose of the article is to analyze the phenomenon of mentality, its connection with history, culture and society, as well as to describe the nature of the mentality of a particular historical community, the Russian mentality, its historical role and mission in the global field of interaction of various cultural practices. Results. The author examines the works of representatives of the French historical school “Annales”, historians of culture, science and art, as well as the works of Russian philosophers and cultural scientists devoted to the description of the Russian mentality. Special attention is paid to the contribution of N. O. Lossky, N. A. Berdyaev, V. P. Vorontsov and other scientists to the tradition of understanding the Russian mentality. Conclusions. The article highlights the relevance of understanding the lessons of the clash of different mentalities and worldviews in the modern world. The author calls for a deeper understanding of the specifics of the Russian mentality and its role in the historical fate of Russia and Russian statehood. This can help strengthen intercultural dialogue and cooperation between different countries and peoples.