K. N. Leontiev’s early legal aesthetics and its problematic relation to the Russian conservatism

The following article is concerned with the aesthetical view on legal reality which was formed by K. N. Leontiev in his early philosophy. It is argued that especially in legal sphere there was a fundamental distinction between philosopher’s aesthetical and religious axiology and abstract axiology of the Russian conservativism. The research helped to articulate conclusively that due to his aesthetical problematization of themes, which are common to the philosophical discourse on conservatism in Russia, Leontiev could become hostile even to the proponents of conservation. The article was based upon historical-doctrinal method used in legal studies of political teachings. Its results can help to expand the possibilities of using new approaches to Leontiev’s legacy.