Philosophers, scandalists and ethnarchs : the authors of the Montenegrin enlightenment literature

This present article is devoted to an issue of assimilation and adaptation of the philosophical tendencies and literary patterns of the European enlightenment in Montenegrin literature which was established in 18th century in difficult internal circumstances and during constant threat to the independence of the country. Key advocates of the rationalistic, democratic and anticleri-cal demands were mainly descended from the romanized Adriatic communities and obtained their education in Western Europe – transplanting into native ground the ideas of the free mind and conscience, religious tolerance, just politics, reform of the state or general education. In the context of the above-mentioned and similar categories the works of Stefan Zanović, Jovan Baljević, Katerina Radonjić and other authors were considered. The special example of taking advantage of the enlightenment paradigm are texts of the bishops and political rulers from the Petrović Njegoš dynasty – their attitude was formed through the necessity of the defence of the legal-state interest and fidelity to the Christian ethic. As a case of such a meaning of the civilizing mission in the environment of disintegrated Montenegrin tribes Petar I was presented. Especially his messages to the clan communities contain many didactic appeals which are faith-ful to the enlightenment vision of the man and societ