Russian way to the knowledge-based society

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the modeling of industrial–postindustrial transition in Russian society. The very special part of this process concerns the relations between lordship and bondage. The relations between Lordship and Bondage in a context of so-called Master–Slave dialectic can elucidate a way to the knowledge-based society as a kind of modern capitalistic society. Design/methodology/approach An author uses a complex of methods. He applies a phenomenological approach, mixed with the dialectics and analytical approach. Phenomenological approach presupposes the neediness of attention on a work of the conscious actions within formation of the social experiences. The modification of dialectics helps to make the comprehension of the history of social relations as a game of forces in self-consciousness, which nowadays bases on the attitudes between leaders and led people. A variant of analytic methodology helps to understand each problem as a puzzle. Findings As a result, author finds a spirit of the processes within development of knowledge-based society and innovative economy depends on so-called Master–Slave dialectic. In Europe, Master–Slave dialectic caused the leading role of scientists. In Russia, scientists depended on the Government and played secondary role in economy. Research limitations/implications Research is the philosophical treatise, which demonstrates the speculative evaluation of industrial–postindustrial transition in Russian society. Practical implications Practical implications is the constructing the prognosis of the development of the Russian society. Social implications Research can help to improve the understanding of the mechanisms of leadership in society. Originality/value Originality of the paper is the reconstruction of social forms, which caused the social progress in Russia.