The phenomenon called in the Russian-language space a "new ethics" is analysed in the article with allocation of a separate sphere - decolonisation studies. The peculiarity of the use of the concept "new ethics" in the Russian-language discourse and the difference from the classical understanding of ethics, its problems and its connection with the phenomena of postmodernism, as well as the specifics of the appearance of this definition and discussion regarding this problem, are noted. As an example of these discussions, the correspondence polemic between E. Skidelsky on the one hand and A. Magun and A. Novkunskaya on the other is used. An attempt is made to divide this discourse into two components: theoretical and activist. These approaches to the consideration of decolonisation are justified by various social phenomena that have influenced the processes in the intellectual and political field caused by this phenomenon. The features of colonial theoretical research are considered, using the example of the works of E. Said and A. Etkind, as well as a critical assessment of these sources and their interpretation in the context of the application of these intellectual programs to Western countries and Russia, respectively. Said's work is taken as the theoretical basis of the entire decolonisation theory and a method of working with the public field. Etknid's approach is notable for the fact of interpretation of the Russian intellectual space from the point of view of this approach and method. R. Scruton's work Fools, Frauds and Firebrands. Thinkers of the New Left" is considered as a critical position. Thinkers of the New Left notes the problematic places in Said's method. The activist manifestation in education is considered on the example of the work of J. Searle, who noted the fact of changes in humanitarian education in the United States in comparison with other historical realities due to the appearance of elements of decolonisation in universities, namely, the representation of various ethnic minorities and changes in educational programs due to the discrediting of various ethnic groups in the framework of training courses. The general specifics of the humanities and the problems inherent in this field of scientific knowledge, such as ideological bias, are also indicated. Searle's attempt to solve this problem by introducing the concept "canon", which, according to the American philosopher, is able to solve problems in the educational space, is criticized.
