DOI: 10.7256/2409-7144.2016.10.1902

Abstract: The main goal of this research is the attempt of the in-depth and comprehensive analysis and metaphysical contemplation of the nature of elitism based on the elite qualities of the “gilded youth”, because namely this category can have one of the most vivid and accessible to understanding of the exit channels on metaphysical foundation of the elite existence. Thus, the subject of this work is the possible metaphysical foundations of elitism of the “gilded youth”, and in a more broad sense, of other authentic elites; while the object is the “gilded youth” itself as escaping the scientific analysis exclusive social group. The methodology of this research includes the examination of ontological, archetypal, existential, and phenomenological aspects of the nature of elite being and socio-spiritual experience of the “gilded youth” as a particular variety of the elites. The ontology of “gilded youth”, as firstly demonstrated in the article, is based on such status and quality as perfection and sublimity. Such perfection is expressed through the number of personal features of the representatives of “gilded youth”, among which we can name naturalness, openness, physical beauty, health, etc., which underline the superiority of this elite group on the social and bodily levels. The metaphysical basis of these qualities of “gilded youth” is derived through the prism of the two philosophical concepts – Theory of “World Axis” and Theory of Karma.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0684.2016.10.20132

Abstract:   The goal and subject of this article is the substantiation of the scientific necessity for the emergence of the new field (section) of elitological research – the juvenile elitology. It comprises the area of scientific research of various youth elites, specification of its research capabilities and prospects, as well as development of the scientific methodology that is justified by the particularity and context of the previously mentioned subject of the study. On the example of the phenomenon of “gilded youth” as the most socially ambiguous and difficult for studying the varieties of social and youth elites, the author formulates the possible methodological strategy of conceptualization and design of the research in juvenile elitology. The author analyzes the origins, object field, and possible informative-methodological approaches of juvenile elitology, which are based on the interdisciplinary approach. The formulation and articulation of this scientific problematic comprised the scientific novelty of this work. The conclusion is made that within the juvenile elitological studies there is no implementation for the pure scientific and sociological research instruments that are based on the empirical information, as well as socio-philosophical and actual philosophical approaches, such as axiology, metaphysics, hermeneutics, and reflection.