Philosophy and Culture - rubric The stream of books

Abstract: Review: around the world D. I. Mendeleev is known as a chemist and the periodic law author. But he also devoted himself to geophysics, metallurgy industry, agriculture, economics, teaching and even metrology… He resembles M. V. Lomonosov in his versatile personality. Like Lomonosov, Mendeelev also talked about philosophy which he considered to be an ideological synthesis and spiritual guide. His philosophical views are not well studied yet but they are undoubtedly a very significant part of Russian philosophy.

Keywords: philosophy, chemistry, natural science, spiritualism, religion, gnoseology, world perception, realism, dialectics

Abstract: The life of I.V. Sidorenko, philosopher and poet ended abruptly. She was a talented and beautiful woman, the candidate of philosophical sciences, the author of the book “Anthropology of happiness”. We publish the last article of I.V. Sidorenko, which she wrote several days before she died. It’s “Archeact and archefable: the meanings”

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2013.7.9100

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2013.6.7964

Abstract: The article is devoted to a number of works written by various authors such as Yakov Golosovker, Grigory Pomerants, Andrey Yurganov and others.

Keywords: philosophy, culture, history, publication, existence, subject, review.

Abstract: This is the reference by an American cultural critic Steven Shaviro on Kojin Karatani’s book ‘Transcriticism: On Kant and Marx’ – ‘the most important and useful book in philosophy’, as Steven Shaviro calls it, viewing Marx and Kant in one meaning perspective.

Keywords: philosophy, Kant, Marx, Marxism, capital, exploitation, neoclassicism

Abstract: This the summary and the author’s response to L. V. Gomboeva’s book ‘Introduction to the Western Philosophy of Freedom’.

Keywords: philosophy, culture, freedom, western, Russian, philosophies.

Abstract: This is the review of V. Bychkov’s monograph ‘Esthetical Aura of Being’. In his work Bychkov studies the basic terms of modern esthetics such as metaphysics and esthetics, addresses to conceptions of post-modernism and describes the two basic types of development of esthetics in history, - explicit and implicit. The author views esthetical positions of Nietzsche and Harms and Russian philosophers such as Belinsky, Chernyshevsky and others

Keywords: esthetics, metaphysics, esthetical experience, catharsis, postmodernism, philosophical anthropology, postclassical esthetics

Abstract: This is the reference on B. I. Pruzhinin’s book ‘Ratio serviens? Contours of Cultural and Historical Epistemology’ devoted to the core problem of philosophy and culture, - the problem of the mind. It is underlined that B. I. Pruzhinin’s methodological study has been a great contribution to the philosophical thought.

Keywords: philosophy, culture, history, mind, rationality, learning

Abstract: This article contains reviews of Gustav Shpet’s works ‘Philosophical Critics’ and ‘Philosophy and Science’ as well as his selection works ‘Gustav Shpet and his Philosophical Legacy’.

Keywords: philosophy, science, psychology, linguistics, esthetics, legacy, Gustav Shpet.

Abstract: The article is devoted to Yury Lotman’s path of life. The author analyzes peculiarities of Lotman’s creative evolution, in particular, his transfer to semiotic and cultural studies. The article also describes Lotman’s discourse and way of thinking.

Keywords: philosophy, structure, structuralism, text, model, studies of humanity, dialogue, science, scheme, heuristics

Abstract: This is the summary and response to the two books written by Nikolsky, S. A. and Philimonov, V. P. and devoted to the issue of Russian world perception and the idea of Russian life and society I literature and philosophy.

Keywords: philosophy, culture, history, Russian, world perception, values, meaning, Russian, life, literature, classics.

Abstract: The article analyzes how the Russian social and political thought is reflected in the first issue of the ‘Russian Philosophy’ encyclopedia. The encyclopedia was prepared by a large group of scientists of the philosophical faculty of Moscow State University named after M. V. Lomonosov, Institute of Philosophy of the Russian Academy of Sciences and other universities of Moscow, St. Petersburg, Rostov-on-Don, Yekaterinburg and other cities

Keywords: philosophy, Russian philosophy, philosophical thought in Soviet and Post Soviet Russia, political philosophy, social and political movements in Russia

Abstract: S. V. Solovyev’s work expands our common understanding of power and allows us to talk about power as a meaningful and fundamental part of human life but not violence or foreign force. In his book Solovyev gave a completely new definition of power as a way to give a certain order to force and existential resource. Based on the analysis of such phenomena as love, conscious, richness, technology and the sacred the author of the book defined a new important role of power in human life and culture

Keywords: philosophy, power, existential, possession, alienation, love, holy/sacred, techniques

Abstract: This is the review of N. Mankovskaya’s monograph ‘Phenomenon of Post-Modernism’. In her works Mankovskaya analyses post-modernism as a cultural phenomenon, studies the theoretical grounds for post-modernism esthetics, post-structuralism and the theory of deconstruction. Being the original work of the author, this monograph expands our views on post-modernism

Keywords: philosophy, culture, esthetics, postmodernism, art

Abstract: The review is devoted to the history of development of medicine and medical ethics during different epochs: from Antique times until now. The article also analyzes the views of the authors on questions of philosophical conceptions of medical service taking into account the newest tendencies in bio technologies and bio ethics. The article also covers the problem of responsibility for violation of ethical norms of a medical worker as well as for violation of the human rights for protection of dignity, health and life

Keywords: philosophy, medicine, ethics, law, dignity, human, bio ethics, health, culture, euthanasia

Abstract: This is the reference on the book by Karl Mannheim, German and English philosopher coming originally from Hungary. Karl Mannheim is thought to be one of the creators of sociology of knowledge. The author underlines that Karl Mannheim’s book ‘Diagnosis of Our Time’ is becoming very topical under the conditions of the modern crisis and growing role of a state institution in economic life.

Keywords: philosophy, culture, history, sociology, knowledge, Karl Mannheim

Abstract: This is information about seminars held by the research group of French and Russian philosophers and devoted to the topic ‘Russian and West-European Cultures: Differences and Similarities’

Keywords: culture, philosophy, France, Russia

Abstract: The article is devoted to publishing of a great monograph of the Russian Institute of Cultural Studies ‘Outline of History of Sergiev Posad at the End of XVIII – XX Century’. This monograph continues the ‘Russian Province: Environment, Culture and Society’ books on Russian history and culture published by the Institute. In this monograph Sergiev Posad lifestyle and culture are shown as anthropologically oriented history focusing on ‘human’ or ‘resident’.

Keywords: cultural studies, studies of regions, historical cities of Russia, history of culture, socio-cultural environment, province, anthropologically oriented history, cultural traditions, cultural potential, cultural preferences

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2017.8.23648

Abstract: Philosophical practice in the "Plato's cave" This article represents an extensive review of the book by the American philosopher-practitioner Ran Lahav "Stepping out of Plato's Cave: Philosophical Counseling, Philosophical Practice and Self-Transformation” (2 ed., Hardwisc, Vermont (USA): Loyev Books, 2016, 226 p.). The book under review is the fruit of more than twenty years of the author's work in the field of philosophical practice. Leaning on the content of the book, the article carries out a meticulous analysis of the evolution of movement of the philosophical practice, content of the main approaches and methods applied in philosophical practice, relationship between the philosophical practice and psychotherapy, as well as the author’s original theory. The work is based on the comparative-historical method and a critical analysis of the theory of philosophical practice of Ran Lahav with reference to his main complitaions. This detailed peer review allows the Russian readers to familiarize with the basic ideas Ran Lahav’s book, which has yet to be translated into the Russian language. The described in the article original methodology of the author of the book under review, can be implemented in the practice of philosophical counseling and adjusted to the Russian philosophical tradition.

Keywords: critical thinking, psychotherapy, phenomenology, philosophical counseling, philosophical practice, Modern philosophy, perimeter, pattern, Ran Lahav, Pierre Hadot

Abstract: The review of the five books of selected works ‘Bioethics and Humanitarian Expertise’ was started with the purpose to summarize relevant researches over the past 4 hours and provide a prospect of grounds, approaches, methods and applications of humanitarian expertise. The author of the article gives a classification of scientists’ positions on the matter taking into account the historical aspect — genesis and evolution of relevant researches. Along with theoretical insights the author also describes practical examples of humanitarian expertise in different spheres of activity.

Keywords: philosophy, humanitarian expertise, method, bioethics, interdisciplinarity, object, item, purposes and procedures, risks and consequences, moral, politics, technologies.

Abstract: This is a review of the book ‘Way to Recognition. Three Essays’ by Paul Ricoeur. The author describes the essence of Ricoeur’s study based on a multiple meaning of the word ‘recognition’. Special attention is given at the connection of terms ‘recognition’ and ‘self-recognition’.

Keywords: philosophy, personality, recognition, identity, identifi cation, otherness

Abstract: This is the summary and critical review of the Encyclopedia of Epistemology and Philosophy of Science published in 2009. The summary is prepared by Gurevich P. S., editor-in-chief of the Philosophy and Culture Journal.

Keywords: philosophy, culture, epistemology, philosophy of science, encyclopedia.

Abstract: This is a review of a monograph ‘Neo- Kantianism: German and Russian: between Theory of Knowledge and Criticism of Culture’ in which the authors studied the importance of Neo-Kantianism for modern epistemology, philosophy of science, philosophical anthropology and other philosophical disciplines. It is underlined that it is the fi rst time in history that Neo-Kantianism is viewed in the context of Russian and German philosophical conceptions.

Keywords: philosophy, philosophy of science, philosophy of culture, anthropological philosophy, Kant, Neo-Kantianism

Abstract: This is the summary of the books devoted to cultural researches: Ontology of Cultural Research. Symbolic Space o Culture, Ontology of Cultural Research. Reflection of Culture and Samary’s book “Where the Beams are Crossed’.

Keywords: philosophy, culture, symbol, poetry, researches.

Abstract: This is the summary of A. I. Utkin’s book ‘Institution of Economic Strategies’ published in 2001.

Keywords: philosophy, culture, economy, institution, strategy.

Abstract: This is the review of A. Sukhov’s book ‘Russian Philosophy: Features and Representatives’ published in Moscow in 2012.

Keywords: culture, philosophy, world perception, Russian philosophy.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2014.1.10481

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2014.1.63779

Abstract: The article contains the review of the last book written by German authors in the sphere of ethics, Helga E. Hörz and Herbert Hörz. This book presents an attempt to describe the main points and meanings of possible «neo-modernism ethics’ as the theory which could bring back the values and optimistic expectations of Enlightenment and keep in mind Post-Modernism critical remarks. The very first preposition lying in the basis of the new ethics established by the authors is a new look at the roles of selfishness and altruism for moral philosophy. The authors of the book do not consider meta-ethical or solely practical issues. Withdrawing from everyday problems the modern world is «drown» in, Helga and Herbert seek the grounds that would help to solve crisis situations and protect from the threatening anti-humanistic development of civilization. The article contains the review of the book but besides the summary and interpretation the book also contains a number of critical remarks and an attempt to view the book as one whole. The book is in German and isn’t going to be translated in the nearest future. The book was published in 2013 and devoted to topical modern issues based on the consideration and analysis of numerous recent achievements in the sphere of ethics.

Keywords: ethics, morals, selfishness, altruism, Neo-Modernism ethics, crisis, humanity, applied ethics, Post-Modernism, Enlightenment.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2016.1.17521

Abstract: This article pursues correlation between the two fundamental works on culturology, which were created within different historical periods: E. S. Makaryan “Science about Culture and the Imperatives of the era” and A. S. Zapesotsky “Culture: from Russia’s perspective”. The book by E. S. Makaryan reflects the state of this area of knowledge in the Soviet time, while the book by A. S. Zapesotsky refers to present time. The first book represents the monographic research that defines the designation of culturology and characteristic to it specificity, as well as its relation to the other areas of knowledge. This research is polemical; it contains criticism of the outlooks upon culture, which belong to the Russian and foreign scholars. This analysis is aimed at the deep exploration of the problems of culturology within the framework of the historical-materialistic tradition. A. S. Zapesotsky book characterizes the current state of culturology. It confirms that the status of culturology within the modern humanitarian paradigm. Both of these researches often examine similar issues: on the status of culturology; on its ontological and epistemological problems; on relation of culturology towards other spheres of humanitarian knowledge. The author refers to the philosophy of culture and philosophy oh history, and also gives special attention to the principles of philosophical anthropology. The author attempts to demonstrate the evolution of opinions about culturology and culture in Soviet time, as well as in current time. The work by E. S. Markaryan is considered as the most complete idea on the cultural processes within the Soviet time. The research by A. S. Zapesotsky marks the significant changes in consolidation of the status of culturology.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2016.1.67441

Keywords: Culture, Culturology, Society, Sociality, Paradigm, Civilization, Philosophy, Anthropocentrism, Eurocentrism, Universalities of culture

Abstract: This is the author’s summary of A. S. Zasopetsky’s book ‘Philosophy and Sociology of Culture’. It is underlined that Zasopetsky is surely a bright figure in modern cultural studies and his ideas play an important role for further studies of culture.

Keywords: philosophy, social studies, culture, human, society, science.

Abstract: Based on I. T. Kasavin’s book ‘Text. Discourse. Context’ the author analyzes the modern way of existence of a philosophical text, an author and conceptions involved. The author describes a new sphere of knowledge combining various points of views and conceptual systems. Based on the example of Kasavin’s social epistemology of language the author of the article suggests to view such fields of discussion as multidimensional spaces of non-classical type, heterotopy in according with the concept introduced by Foucault.

Keywords: philosophy, heterotopy, space, topology, text, discourse, context, epistemology, post-modernism, knowledge.

Abstract: The author carries out a topical review of works devoted to nowadays problems arising in the sphere of researches of the theory of knowledge. The review covers a wide range of publications in philosophy, psychology, history and other related sciences.

Keywords: philosophy, psychology, history, culture, philosophy of science, epistemology, theory of knowledge.

Abstract: The author analyzes P. I. Simush’ work ‘Navigator of Noosphere: Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy.

Keywords: philosophy, literature, spirituality, spiritual life, Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy.

Abstract: This is the review of G. Yu. Kanarsh’ work ‘Social Justice: Philosophical Conceptions and Russian Situation’.

Keywords: philosophy, history, Russia, social, justice, human, society.

Abstract: This is the summary of Konstantin Yusupov’s book ‘Russian Philosophical Culture’. In his book Yusupov tried to show the process of formation of the new philosophy of history and historiography.

Keywords: philosophy, culture, history, historiography, philosophy of history, symbolism.

Abstract: The article is devoted to the presentation of the Humanities Journal held in June 2011 at Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation.

Keywords: philosophy, culture, history, humanities, science, journal.

Abstract: This is the summary of L. V. Skvortsov’s book ‘Information Culture and Complete Knowledge’.

Keywords: philosophy, culture, history, information culture, knowledge.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2013.2.62335

Abstract: Life world is the central problem of phenomenology. It is, in fact, the phenomenon clarifying the meaning of human life in all its entirety and diversity. Husserl was the first in history of philosophy to create the problem out of something which used to be regarded as something obvious and natural. This is why the practical side of human existence was not studied at all before Husser. A. L. Nikiforov’s work represents the experience of productive interpretation of this term and describes how to base on this concept in cognitive activity.

Keywords: philosophy, life world, phenomenology, meaning, entirety, diversity, world view, life experience, secularism, truth, language.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2013.2.62336

Abstract: Modern futurology covers a highly impressive scope of problems. Special attention is given to the problems of science, technics and technology.

Keywords: philosophy, futurology, institution, social, society, economic, social, development, human.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2014.2.10848

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2014.2.63930

Abstract: Out of all the books published by the Canon + Publishing, the author of the present article selected works that contain a special interest towards philosophy, its peculiarities and intended purpose. Philosophy has many centuries of history. Over the centuries philosophy has been changing and acquiring different and often incompatible definitions. There are so many definitions of philosophy that it is rather difficult to sort them through. The books covered by the review actually give the panoramic review of modern philosophy. For example, in his study book A. Zotov describes numerous Western philosophy schools and gives their full evaluation. T. Kuzmina’s thesis contains many polemic statements and represents a good example of the academic thought. ‘Brief Introduction to Philosophy’ allows to describe the structure of philosophy. K. Horney’s book is given with a new and more precise translation. The review of these books gives an idea about the actual status of modern literature for graduate and post-graduate students. This is what makes the review new and practically important.

Keywords: philosophy, history, spirit, culture, existentialism, existential faith, ontology, values, religion, psychoanalysis.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2016.2.17597

Abstract: This article reviews a remarkable monography by V. I. Samokhvalova “Superhuman: image, metaphor, and program” (M., 2015), in which the author based on the significant philosophical material attempts to substantiate Nietzsche’s idea of Übermensch (superhuman). This problem is examined in traditional doctrines, various religious systems, myths, and modern cultural perceptions. It is evident that this topic has an outstanding background story, but at the same time it attained many stereotypes, free interpretations, and various meanings. Today, the notion of superhuman could be understood very differently – from the idea of perfection of a human, all the way until human brain replacement with a silicon chip. The author bases on an extensive philosophical tradition, including the modern transhumanism, and also applies hermeneutic method that allows revealing hidden meanings in the well-known philosophical texts. Even recently, with regards to a human, we could hear exceptionally funeral motifs. Philosophers were ecstatically describing the human demise not only as a topic of philosophical anthropology, but also as a flickering anthropological given. Human died not only as an animal, but also as a historical creature, human dissolved in everything that surrounding him – nature, society, technologies. However, the topic of a living, bodily, and almost immortal human gradually became evident in even post-modernistic philosophy.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2016.2.67514

Keywords: chelovek, sverkhchelovek, Nitsshe, inomernyi chelovek, antropologicheskaya mera, filosofiya, smysl, stradanie, filosofskaya antropologiya

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2013.3.62432

Abstract: The article is devoted to the analysis of V. I. Samokhvalova’s book ‘Ugliness’ that reveals not only the problems of actualization of the esthetical category in post-modern cultural environment but also different phenomena of post-culture in which ugliness become a cultural dominant. Special attention is paid at the author’s views on mass culture and numerous cultural practices which, based on the author, show the loss of axiological values and ideals. The book will be interest for a wide audience and remind the readers about the eternal problems of the Good and Evil, Beauty and Ugliness.

Keywords: cultural studies, ugliness, post-culture, esthetics, beauty, mass cult, category, technology, Post-Modernism, beautiful.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2016.3.16845

Abstract: The subject of this research is the book by K. K. Kolin and A. D. Ursul “Information and Culture. Introduction into the information Culturology”. The author gives special attention to the analysis of the relevant questions expressed in this book, which are associated with the problems of informatization and transition towards the global information society, as well as formation of the new to such society phenomenon of “information culture”. The article suggests structuring of the typology of information culture and examines the examples of implementation of this typology for further development of the “information culturology” as a scientific direction. The main conclusions consist in the following: 1. The peer reviewed material fully reveals the main aspects of the scientific discipline “Information culturology” in five directions: subjectology, terminology, methodology, nomology, and praxeology. 2. As a recommendation, we should note the following: - The phenomenon “information culture” should be more specifically typologized; - The notion “virtual reality” should be used based on the information concept; it will help to avoid its identification with the notion “social reality”’; - Praxeology of the scientific discipline requires a more reliable and contemporary factual and statistical material on the presented issues.

Keywords: Peer review, Information culturology, Information culture, Information activity, Information potential, Information culture of administration, Information culture of education, Information culture of medicine, Information culture of economics, Information culture of ecology

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2016.3.67736

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2016.4.17977

Abstract: This article is dedicated to the extraordinary scientific being – the emergence of the monograph that united the leading Russian and foreign philosophers, who were first to enunciate the multifaceted, at timed discussion approach towards interdisciplinarity as a problem, trend, and methodological principle. Attention is given to the rights and abilities of mental activity, understanding of science in the modern world, philosophy – in science, as well as interdisciplinarity – in philosophy. The author also focuses attention on interdisciplinarity in the fundamental and applied aspects. In dialogue with the authors of the monograph, a number of principally important questions for study and implementation of interdisciplinarity is being discussed. The conclusion is made that the novelty of the problems solved in the monograph, and the reference to the problem of interdisciplinarity itself, empowers the philosophers, creates the atmosphere of intellectual freedom and friendly mutual understanding in the book. Productive for the philosophical and culturological knowledge we consider the idea of scientific pluralism, responsible and delicate treatment of the conceptual apparatus (discourse, paradigm, communication, activity), which suggests multiple original interpretations of the notion “interdisciplinarity” (the idea of integrity, conceptual space).

Keywords: Integrity, Activity, Communication, Paradigm, Discourse, Terminology, Methodology, Science, Philosophy, Interdisciplinarity

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2016.4.67812

Keywords: Integrity, Activity, Communication, Paradigm, Discourse, Terminology, Methodology, Science, Philosophy, Interdisciplinarity

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2015.4.14936

Abstract: The article reviews a remarkable book by P.A. Nazareth about an outstanding leader of out time Mahatma Gandhi. The book describes Gandhi’s versatile activities as a political figure and statesman for the first time in world literature. It reconstructs the history of his development as a political leader. Gandhi is presented in this case as a unique person. A historian or a researcher in modern politics will find in this book valuable material about the great country that currently becomes a major power capable of influencing global events. The author uses the method of comparison of two books – by P.A. Nazareth and the book by a prominent American psychoanalyst, one of the founding fathers of psychohistory Erik Erikson. Comparativist techniques permit to show Gandhi’s significant influence on many cultural workers and transformations in other countries.The methods of psychohistory and political philosophy in general are compared for the first time in modern literature. P.A. Nazareth refers to the works of E. Erikson. But he goes his own way, thoroughly investigating Gandhi’s political activities. At the same time, the book portrays the image of a unique man who was involved in very dramatic historical events. Being a historical analysis, P.A. Nazareth’s book responds to modern global transformations. This is its undoubted value.

Keywords: satyagraha, philosophy of nonviolence, public activity, politics, spiritual leader, thinker, Gandhi, psychohistory, colonialism, history

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2015.4.66471

Keywords: satyagraha, philosophy of nonviolence, public activity, politics, spiritual leader, thinker, Gandhi, psychohistory, colonialism, history

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2015.4.14656

Abstract: The article analyzes two books published by the Institute of Philosophy of the RAS, P. Ricoeur «Chelovek. Obshchestvo. Tsivilizatsia. Sovremennaya filosofia» [Man. Society. Civilization. Modern philosophy] (M.: Kanon+, 2015) and «Chelovek vchera i segodnya [Man yesterday and today]: interdisciplinary studies. Issue 8» (M.: IPhRAS, 2014).Much attention is paid to the monograph dedicated to Paul Ricoeur, a prominent French philosopher. Reflecting on the book, the author attempts at singling out in each essay the most significant and breakthrough ideas related to evaluation and development of multiple philosophical ideas of Ricoeur. This fundamental work guided by Prof. I.S. Vdovina, a major specialist in world philosophy who united the efforts of various specialists, will undoubtedly be a prerequisite for deeper research into topical worldview problems of our time.The book «Chelovek vchera i segodnya [Man yesterday and today]: interdisciplinary studies. Issue 8» edited by M.S. Kiseleva deals with the theme of existential choice. The authors are engaged in theoretical and methodological studies of choice practices, based on the texts by Augustine, Abelard, S. Kierkegaard, J.-P. Sartre, A. Camus, F. Dostoyevsky, N. Berdyaev, D. Chizhevsky and turning to modern live phenomena.The approaches of personalism, existentialism and phenomenology are employed in assessment of scientific works. Varied philosophical practices are actualized, permitting to ensure the dialogue of ideas in the works of P. Ricoeur. The interdisciplinary approach to analysis of the problems of personal life and intellectual choice is used.The novelty of the material is conditioned by the desire to present the whole diversity of the philosophical ideas of P. Ricoeur. They remain significant in the new century, too. The experience of interpreting various philosophical themes in the works by Ricoeur raises philosophical reflection onto a new level, permits to correlate it with modern philosophical knowledge. The novelty in approaching to the theme of choice is related to analysis of alternative decisions that often have to be made in the situation of absurdity.

Keywords: existential choice, philosophical-anthropological project, phenomenology, personalism, existentialism, philosophy, being, humanism, faith, personality

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2015.4.66472

Keywords: existential choice, philosophical-anthropological project, phenomenology, personalism, existentialism, philosophy, being, humanism, faith, personality

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2016.5.18650

Abstract: The new book by E. N. Shapinskaya book “Music for All Times: Classical heritage and Contemporary Culture” is dedicated to the study of the problem of musical heritage as an intrinsic part of human culture. Based on the example of Russian and foreign opera classics, the author examines the philosophical problems of universal character, contained in the great compositions of the past and preserving their importance today. The book simultaneously contains the analysis of the actual place of musical art within modern culture, as well as the substantiated statement on the necessity and irreplaceability of such experience that is given to men by culture and culture alone. At the same time, the author of the book reveals what means used the great masters to cover the problems of the government and its reforms, freedom and responsibility, choice and realization of life’s goal. The material of the book includes not only the theoretical reasoning and author’s conclusions, but also his personal observations, impressions from spectacles and concerts, and recordings of interviews with details of art. The space of musical experience in Shapinskaya’s interpretation appears as space of formation of a concept, and this allows a man to attain an indispensable intellectual and emotional experience, and provides prospects for personal development.

Keywords: Aesthetic education, Space of development, Musical expressiveness, Cultural heritage, Other, Image, Concept, Musical experience, Musical art, Modern culture

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2016.5.67855

Keywords: Aesthetic education, Space of development, Musical expressiveness, Cultural heritage, Other, Image, Concept, Musical experience, Musical art, Modern culture

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2013.6.62772

Abstract: The present article analyzes the monograph written by Ilyin I.V., Ursula A. D., Ursul T. A. and called ‘Global Evolutionism: Ideas, Problems, Hypothesis’. We believe that the authors have developed a complex, information synergetic approach to studying evolutionary processes. This approach is not only a trans-disciplinary methodological innovation. It is actually an approach which better reflects the idea of global evolutionism by combining ongoing and future and past processes of global evolution altogether. Global evolutionism is shown as a combination of ideas, concepts, problems and hypotheses devoted to one of the main evolutionary processes in the Universe, a permanent self-organization of material systems which leads to progressive development of non-organic and organic nature and then society. Global evolutionism offers a wide range of opportunities for studying global processes and systems which cannot be studied by traditional methods. The monograph also contains much information to be used in global studies as well.

Keywords: philosophy, global studies, global evolutionism, information approach, information synergetic approach, cosmic consciousness, co-evolution, noospherogenesis, sustainable development, noospherology.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2014.6.12261

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2014.6.65128

Abstract: The author of the review traces back the scientific activity by V. Samokhvalova with attention and interest. Samokhvalova’s works are quite distinguished among other works of modern esthetic literature. Her works are analytical and attract researchers with a clear and logical conception. As a rule, the logic of her statement is also flawless. Even though V. Samokhvalova does not claim that her esthetic research is monographic, nevertheless she touches upon the most significant problems in this branch of philosophy. Such terms as beauty, ugliness, creativity and genius cover the essence of esthetics. Samokhvalova’s analysis of art categories often contains both open and hidden polemics. In this case her book is a selection of articles and essays. The author of the present review describes them as ‘etudes’ or ‘lectures’ set out in a free form. The author of the review uses the method of the categorical analysis of esthetics and tries to define the internal connection between the concepts that altogether constitute the science called ‘esthetics’. Following V. Samokhvalova, the author traces back the process of formation of the esthetic consciousness and touches upon a complicated question about the origin of art and development of a specific language of art. The novelty of the review is in the author’s attempt to describe the structure of each problem discussed in a book. Modern esthetics are also taken into consideration.

Keywords: esthetics, category, beauty, ugliness, art, genius, norm, language, form, creativity.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2016.6.18290

Abstract: The subject of this research is the original intellectual discourse of the contemporary philosopher S. Nickolsky, pertaining to the Russian classical literature in the book “Horizons of Meanings. Philosophical Interpretations of Russian literature of the XIX-XX centuries”. The author determines the dominant of this discourse – the concept of the “Russian worldview”, as well as underlines the importance of understanding of the Russian writers as philosophers (from Goncharov to Platonov). The presented in the book system of signs or aspect of the Russian worldview, the main of which is considered the binary (including an opposition of “life/death) is being defined. The author notes the uniqueness of a conceptual approach towards Lermontov, Slavophiles, Herzen, Tolstoy, Platonov, and Akhmatova. The scientific novelty is defined by the polemics suggested by the author with regards to S. Nickolsy’s book. We start a dialogue with the author of the book concerning his assessment of the relations between the “writer” and the “power”, which he considers exceptional in the works of Platonov; with regards to recognition of Chekhov’s characters primarily positive or negative; with regards to the absence in the book of special parts dedicated to Pushkin, Gogol, and Gorky.

Keywords: power, death, life, binary, outlook, Russia, meaning, literature, Philosophy, Nickolsky

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2016.6.67941

Keywords: power, death, life, binary, outlook, Russia, meaning, literature, Philosophy, Nickolsky

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2014.6.12262

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2014.6.65129

Abstract: Heidegger insisted on studying the ancient world in order to successfully and efficiently solve a problem. He meant philosophy but it appears that the culture in general can be the introduction to understanding the genesis of morals. The author of the thesis analyzes Achilles’ behavior and shows that the hero mostly followed the tradition and customs of those times. However, he also reserved the right to choose and make a decision of his own. Noteworthy that Achilles also demonstrated a strong will to make the final choice. Both The Iliad and The Odyssey contain many examples of positive decisions and actions made by Achilles. This evidently shows that behavioral tendencies we are interested in can actually clear up the mystery of the origin of morals. Pavel Gurevich bases his review on the researches of the animal behavior. He uses the historical method allowing to analyze a phenomenon in terms of its development, i.e. from its origin to the current state. Pavel Gurevich also uses the comparative method allowing to draw a distinction between the animal behavior and human behavior. The novelty of the research is in the attempt to describe stages of the development of morals and its origin. Homer’s experience serves as a priceless evidence that Achilles’ behavior corresponded to the golden rule of morals.

Keywords: archaic society, morals, change in morals, Homeric epos, golden rule, retribution, anger, compassion, altruism, behavior.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2014.6.12263

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2014.6.65130

Abstract: Generally speaking, cultural anthropology is the knowledge about human as a creator and culture-bearer. Human is viewed as a biological creature whose nature has been transformed and defined by culture. Cultural anthropology synthesizes data from natural science, psychology, philosophy and humanitarian sciences such as history, ethnography, ethnology, art studies, religious studies and etc. It is assumed that cultural data collected by ethnographers and cultural experts tells us about the nature of human because human reveals himself through the culture he has created. At the same time, it would also appropriate to try to understand how knowledge accumulated by philosophical anthropology can be used for interpreting cultural phenomena and their mystic and often paradoxical meaning. Analyzing Ya.Chesnov’s book, Pavel Gurevich uses different methodological approaches and bases his research on the philosophical and anthropological knowledge. He also appeals to the cultural philosophical paradigm and studies hermeneutics of the text and the researcher’s position. The novelty of analyzing Ya. Chesnov’s book ‘People’s Culture. Philosophical and Anthropological Approach’ (published in Moscow in 2014) is in the attempt to try and evaluate the monograph work from the point of view of philosophical anthropology. The phenomenon of people’s culture is being analyzed other than within the framework of ethnography or cultural studies. The phenomenon is directly related to the philosophical concept of human.

Keywords: philosophicalanthropology, philosophyofculture, ethnography, hermeneutics, customs, mental image, personality, culture, understanding, communication.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2014.6.12264

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2014.6.65131

Abstract: The author of the research makes an assumption that among the variety of moral absolutes we can define so called ‘system-forming’ ones. Technically, the word ‘truth’ and ‘justice’ have a similar meaning because justice means truth and fairness. As HalilBarlybaev wrote, ‘being the main intellectual value, truth means the intentional consent of the intelligence with ta real item or correspondence thereto; this is the definition originating from Plato and Aristotle’. Getting rid of the illusions is a life condition allowing a man to fully achieve his capacities, or, as Spinoza said, become the example of human nature. Human is obsessed with the wrong ideas about himself and the world. Only those people who follow reason are capable to stop being a toy in hands of their own passions and to be guided in life by two active desires – reason and virtue. When assessing Halil Barlybaev’s scientific research, the author uses canons of historical and philosophical research and shows how his concept connects with the other philosophers starting from Plato and up to our times. The author of the review widely uses capabilities of the synergetic approach allowing to evaluate the system-forming features of the values being analyzed. Halil Barlybaev is a serious researcher constantly choosing the most crucial problems of the modern world for his philosophical mediations. This time Halil Barlybaev gives us an insight into the ‘spectrum of relics’. According to Barlybaev, a man chooses himself what relics are sacred and dear to him. However, many people share the same spiritual absolutes. Even though it had been known long ago that an individual may have life attitudes that are very important for him, there was no common word which would reflect and denote these attitudes. Cultural experts call an unchanged and innermost life orientation ‘value’. This is what an individual cannot image a complete life without. When researchers say ‘value’, they usually mean what is sacred for a particular individual, a group of people or the entire humankind.

Keywords: value, truth, justice, society, virtue, consciousness, intellect, morals, history, freedom.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2013.7.62949

Abstract: A hundred years ago positivism ruled in the science of history. Followers of positivism believed that elements of the truth could be easily found in concrete sources and described facts about the past life. But is it actually the only way to discover the order of events in history? Positivists denied all other approaches. They believed that first historians had to discover as many facts as possible, search for different sources, if possible, and only then build the cause-and-reason relations that could help to describe laws of historical development. The book ‘Selected publications 70’ by a famous expert in Russian philosophy, history and culture Mikhail Gromov is some kind of a self-report devoted to Gromov’s 70th birthday. The book is full of facts about Russian history. But there is no positivistic manner to collect particular details, events and dates there. Even though Mikhail Gromov is a true historian, he is also a philosopher so the question about research methods appears in the very first paragraph of his book. Based on Mikhail Gromov, Russian philosophy can be viewed using different research methods while none of these methods can be the only ‘correct’ one. Yet, altogether these methods reveal a perspective for creation of broad and adequate understanding of the historical process.

Keywords: philosophy, history, value, art, peasantry, Orthodoxy, creativity, culture, spirituality, Hesychasm.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2015.7.15194

Abstract: Responding to the book 'Time Mortido' written by Vladimir Kutyrev, largely sharing its spirit and rethinking some of its provisions, the author gives a sketch of the philosophy of life in relation to the contemporary human situation. Agreeing with the conceptual core of the book, the author develops his position as the antithesis to the famous expression about 'the starry sky above me and the moral law within me'. In opposition to this expression, the author provides the requirement of the 'dictatorship of conscience' and the 'rowdies of conscionable nature' and focuses on viewing the horizon as the place where the sky and earth comes together and life is separated from death with the thin line. In terms of the question about the quantitative relationship between people and items, Vladimir Kutyrev's point of view is interpreted by the author as the 'counter-malthusianism'. In his article Fatenkov critisizes religious sympathies of the author of 'Time Mortido' but understands his statements about the technological threat to humans and the rescue nature of real alive beauty. Taking into account contemporary trends in demography and technology, Fatenkov analyzes different scenarios of the further development of events. At the end of his book Vladimir Kutyrev makes a rather stimulating conclusion that it is too early to die!

Keywords: death, nature, human, philosophy, Vladimir Kutyrev, «Time Mortido», life, counter-malthusianism, face, beauty

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2015.7.66793

Keywords: death, nature, human, philosophy, Vladimir Kutyrev, «Time Mortido», life, counter-malthusianism, face, beauty

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2016.8.19557

Abstract: Culture is an inexhaustible resource of development of the man, society, and the state. It is also the foundation of independence and sustainable development of the country, source of wellness and living standards of the nation. The book of the academician Fuad Mamedov Teyub oglu is dedicated to the relevant problems of cultural development. By generalizing his reasoning on the undisputable value of culture for the development of society, the author of the book presents the results of his research in culturology, as well as knew knowledge on culture as a social phenomenon, its national specificities which in a unique way manifest in human civilization. The main goal of the book is familiarization of the audience with the essence and limitless opportunities of culturology, which is extremely important for culture and state development alongside efficient management. The knowledge expounded by F. Mamedov are aimed at helping each interested individual to advance the intellectual and ethnic culture, as well as make the right choice for personal improvement.

Keywords: Culture of management, Formula of traditions of innovation, Formula of efficiency of management, Formula of successful management, Formula of the man of culture, Culturogenesis , Culturological pyramid, Civilization, Culturology, Culture

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2016.8.68143

Keywords: Culture of management, Formula of traditions of innovation, Formula of efficiency of management, Formula of successful management, Formula of the man of culture, Culturogenesis, Culturological pyramid, Civilization, Culturology, Culture

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2013.9.9427

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2013.9.63160

Abstract: This summer the author of the article had a chance to read a very interesting book. The book he is talking about combines features of many genres. Here is an extract from the book: ‘Devoted to her love and her beloved man, a young woman keeps their secret as an experienced conspirator. Intense, thoroughly hidden and clearly prospectless love affair has become a serious life test for both of them, but especially for her. At the first look, it followed quite a usual or even banal scheme. Hidden from everyone, secret meetings of lovers at the mansard went on’. What is it? Is it a love novel? Yes it is, it is the novel about feelings which had a serious impact on lives of the two famous people. At the same time, this book is not only about love. This is the kind of book we want to call ‘biographics’. It is the story about two famous philosophers, their feelings and everyday life, their social and scientific activities. This is the book about personalities, social situations and everyday lives of Martin Heidegger and Hannah Arendt. This book is a theoretical research most of all. After recent researches of A. V. Gulyga and Yu. N. Davydov who analyzed not only philosophical concepts but also peculiarities of the epoch, Motroshilov’s book represents, according to the author, a completely new stage in understanding Western philosophy.

Keywords: philosophy, being, time, love, humanism, theology, technology, evil, totalitarianism, existentials.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2015.9.12785

Abstract: In his review of the book 'Unknown God of Philosophy' written by the doctor of philosophy, professor Vladimir Varava, Nilogov brings out the eternal issue regarding 'the purpose' of philosophy. This is the issue that has been existing ever since philosophy was created as a science. In his book Varava manages to relate the fact of existence (ontological argument) to the searches for the human dimension of philosophy (anthropological argument), thus putting today's philosophical anthropology to the methodological 'deadlock' regarding whether human future is possible without human-dimensioned philosophy, and whether future of philosophy is possible without philosophy-dimensioned beings. The author of the review article applies the problem method, historical-philosophical method, methods of analysis and synthesis and dialectical approach to discovering contradictions. Vladimir Varava's thesis that philosophy has to sacrifice the truth for the sake of finding human features in human, thus rejecting the essential definitions of both human and philosophy itself, needs to be critisized. This raises a question regarding what type of philosophy is suggested, anthropological ('human-dimensioned') philosophy (when human talks about philosophy), philosophical anthropology (when philosophy talks about human) or philosophy-dimensioned philosophy (when philosophy talks about philosophy).

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2015.9.67055

Keywords: idol of philosophy, too human, philosophical anthropology, God, philosophy, existence, surprise, Varava, Ilyenkov, misanthropology

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2016.10.20438

Abstract: This article reviews the moral search of the Russian philosophy discussed within the framework of the two monographs: N. Bonetskaya “Spirit of the Silver Age. (Phenomenology of the era)” (M., St.Pb., 2015) and R. Galtseva “Era of Imbalance. Social and Cultural Events of the Last Decades” (M., St.Pb., 2016). Many problems that the Russian society is concerned about, remain to be in demand throughout several centuries. Special attention is given to the peer reviewed book “Spirit of the Silver Age”. In the author’s opinion, this century reflected, realized, and verbalized the new experience of the new soul. The article presents multiple names, verbal genres, and topics. It is noted that F. Nietzsche produced a significant effect upon the Russian philosophy. Many themes of the Silver Age are still being discussed in the Russian public consciousness: mutual correlation of the European and Russian philosophy, idea of the religious renovation, ideological dictatorship, and diagnostics of the social processes. Particular attention is paid to the Russian hermeneutics. The analysis of the works of N. K. Bonetskaya and R. A. Galtseva allow revealing multiple archetypes and plots that define the fate of Russia. For the first time, in the Russian literature this article discusses the intellectual image of the Silver Age, determines certain conceptual lines characteristic to the philosophical works of this century, considers the questions of mentality, as well as describes the portraits of the philosophers, thinkers, and other people in the world of art. In the material of R. A. Galtseva, the modern era is characterized as imbalanced, which lies in detection of the controversies between social and cultural development of Russia. The author presents various opinions of the ideological differentiations and theoretical confrontation, as well as gives characteristics to the religious renovation of Christianity, totalitarian ideologies, and modern conservatism and humanism.

Keywords: Hermeneutics, Humanism, Religious renovation, Ideology, Art, Philosophy, Nietzsche, Solovyev, Phenomenology, Silver Age

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2016.10.68291

Keywords: Hermeneutics, Humanism, Religious renovation, Ideology, Art, Philosophy, Nietzsche, Solovyev, Phenomenology, Silver Age

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2013.10.9423

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2014.10.13025

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2014.10.65544

Abstract: As it has been already noted in previous reviews, the books published by Canon + provide us a great insight into the current historical and philosophical process. This time the author has selected the two books out of the variety of new books published. These two books are devoted to the logic of historical and philosophical reflection and try to answer the question about the framework of categories used in researches as well as the unacceptability of modernization of philosophical categories when analyzing ancient texts and old philosophical ideas. This, first of all, refers to the challenge contained in V. K. Shokhin’s book ‘Agatology’. V. Shokhin suggests that we should return to the term that is related to the morals and appeared before the term ‘axiology’. However, it is not only the terminology V. Shokhin talks about. In his book V. Shokhin raises many questions needed to be discussed as soon as possible. The same goal is supported by the materials of the Russian scientific conference ‘History of Philosophy: Challenges of the XXIth century’. A lot of famous philosophical historians, both Russian and foreign ones, participated in that conference. The general attribute of the conference was the discussion. There were many views expressed by philosophers but all of those viewed only expanded the horizons of the philosophical framework. All kinds of analysis methods were used. The principle of historicism was not only the principle of formulating questions but also the subject of long and detailed discussions. At the same time, philosophical historians demonstrated that the cultural and sociological analysis could actually apply to studying the historical materials. Very different methods of interpreting the world were used and a special role of inter-disciplinary researches was underlined. The novelty of these publications is in their authors’ attempts to overcome the challenge of modern historical and philosophical process. The relation between history of philosophy and philosophy in general was also thoroughly studied and discussed. The methodological criticism of modern Eurocentrism is also discussed as an obstacle in many modern researches in the sphere of history of philosophy. It is stressed out that many particular philosophical researches in India, China and Arabian West are included in the discussion of global and overall civilization problems. The question about overcoming stereotypes in teaching history of philosophy is raised and particular grounds for creating a branch of philosophy called ‘agatology’ are provided.

Keywords: philosophy, history of philosophy, axiology, agatology, Eurocentrism, philosophical traditions, history of ideas, ‘spirit of the time’, science, philosophical categories.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2015.10.15549

Abstract: The subject of research is the state of contemporary philosophical thought and philosophical community development problems affecting thecontemporary society of philosophers. The basis for the analysis is the texts written by authors included in the book "Who Creates Philosophy in Russia" (Volume 3). The book was published in 2015 and it is a reference book that consists of two sections, introduction and conclusion. The first section ("Philosophical Discussions") containts the editor's interviews with leading philosophers of today's Russia. The second section ("Philosophical Manifests") sets out the theoretical credo of known researchers. The research method used by the author is the text analysis aimed at identifying the ideological and theoretical positions and professional and ethical preferences of the authors from this book who participate in the formation of the theoretical space in contemporary Russian philosophy. The author has also used the methods of classification and systematization of information about the authors. The main conclusions of the study are: 1) the definition of the mission of philosophers as a vocation and requirements to think universal beyond the totality of existence, to think themselves in freedom and to think of themselves (their own existence); 2) substantiation of the nature of philosophizing as a specific activity thinkers with such specific features as contemplation, asking for peace, creative imagination, freedom of thinking, open communication, etc.; 3) typological characteristics of the authors of the book in terms of genre or style they have used in their philosophizing (academic, independent and opposition-minded philosophers); 4) assessment of future Russian philosophy and identification of "problem areas" in the development of the domestic philosophical society including stylistic differences of participants in the philosophical discourse, nonproductive conflicts, etc.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2015.10.67080

Keywords: society, communication, questioning, contemplation, philosophizing, cogitation, Russian philosophy, discourse, professional ethics

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2013.11.10123

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2013.11.63558

Abstract: The book is devoted to the anniversary of the birth of a classical author in modern philosophy Paul Ricœur (1913-2005). The book contains the text of the speech of the philosopher’s ‘Cogito crisis’ read at the International Conference dedicated to the 400th anniversary of René Descartes (held at Institute of Philosophy of the Russian Academy of Sciences in 1993), lectures ‘Hermeneutics, ethics and politics’ (read at Institute of Philosophy of the Russian Academy of Sciences in 1996) as well as materials from theoretical conferences ‘Paul Ricœur as a Philosopher of Dialogue’ (Institute of Philosophy of the Russian Academy of Sciences in2006 ) and ‘New Perspectives of Hermeneutics in Social Studies and Practical Philosophy’ (National Research University ‘Higher School of Economics’ in 2001). Paul Ricœur is a famous philosopher of the XX – early XXI centuries. Along with Martin Heidegger, Edmund Husserl and Ludwig Wittgenstein, Paul Ricœur is a classical author in modern philosophy. In his works Paul Ricœur summarized theoretical concepts of philosophers of a whole century and created his own original teaching about human and his opportunities. Paul Ricœur also suggested a number of ideas which can triger philosophical researches in this coming century. The author of the present reviw also underlines special contribution of Vdovina in distributing and analyzing Paul Ricœur’s ideas in Russia as well as effors made by other researchers and translators such as A. Gustyr, O. Machulsky, I. Blauberg, E. Petrovskaya, N. Motroshilova, E. Shulgi, A. Pavlova, A. Borisenkova and A. Philippova, S. Zenkina, V. Vizgina and others.

Keywords: philosophy, hermeneutics, personality, phenomenology, philosophical anthropology, imagination, identity, event, ethics, discourse.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2016.12.20964

Abstract: This material is associated with examination of the meanings and values of the European culture and characteristic to it controversies and antagonisms. The author leans on the two books, which came out this year in the list of publications by Svetlana Yakovlevna Levit – “Self-consciousness of Culture and Art. Western Europe and the United States” and “Art and Culture of Europe during the Renaissance and Modern Times. Compilation of Works in honor of Vsevolod Matveevich Volodarsky”. Special attention is given to the chrestomathy that represent the cultural-philosophical works of the Western thinkers. The author highlights the activity of Renata Aleksandrovna Galtseva, who throughout many years collects, comments, and studies the classical works of the Western philosophy of culture. She also reveals a great experience of the cultural-philosophical reflection. The prepared by her compilations significantly expanded the space of the research work in the area of philosophy during Soviet times. They have an undisputable value even today, since they allow defending the dignity of academic thought, responding to the spiritual-historical shifts, as well as achieving mobilization of the spirit of the European philosophy. The authors of the book “Art and Culture of Europe during the Renaissance and Modern Times” touch upon various cultural aspects of the aforementioned decades. They carefully and attentively examined different processes, topics and documents of this time, contributing into the study of cultural potential of the era. These works are not only the collection of the important texts, but also a meaningful cultural campaign that is called to defend the great acquisitions of the philosophical classics due to the transformation of cultural-philosophical ideas during the crisis era.

Keywords: Art, Myth, History, Creative work, Archetype, Game, Mind , Civilization, Culture , Philosophy

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2016.12.68517

Keywords: Art, Myth, History, Creative work, Archetype, Game, Mind, Civilization, Culture, Philosophy

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2013.12.7348

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0757.2013.12.63614

Abstract: The purpose of the present article is to analyze the monograph written by E. V. Gryaznova and A. D. Ursul and called ‘Information and Virtual Reality: Conceptual Grounds of the Problem’. The given monograph is devoted to the important issue of creation and development of conceptual grounds for relating such scientific categories as ‘information’ and ‘virtual reality’. There is a number of methodological approaches to understanding the nature and purpose of information in modern science. One of such approaches proves information to be universal. The authors of the monograph believe this is to be a very effective approach. Information is viewed as an objective feature of reality that is based on the principles of diversity and difference. When information is associated with difference, we can already see a close connection between information and movement as a form of existence of the matter. The term ‘information’ is also related to a universal philosophical category ‘reflection’ as an essential side (aspect) of interaction. However, information is not just a simple combination of reflection and diversity. It is their essential interconnection. Outside of interaction and reflection processes information exists virtually, i.e. in a coded and hidden form. Virtuality is the coded information and the way information can exist outside interaction and reflection. Generally speaking, virtual reality is nothing else but the interrelation between active diversity (information) and passive diversity (virtual world).