Editor-in-Chief's column
Reference:
Gurevich, P. S.
Evil Against Good
// Philosophy and Culture.
2013. ¹ 12.
P. 1655-1659.
URL: https://en.nbpublish.com/library_read_article.php?id=63599
Abstract:
Is it possible to imagine a civilization where Evil is not only appealing but also has proven
ideological and metaphysical grounds. When discussing the question about the relation between Evil
and Good, philosophers tend to think of Good as a blessing and Evil as a fatal malice. Philosophers
usually try to understand where Evil came from and whether we can and should eliminate it. They
tend to think that Evil has a mission but what is that mission? Theologians and philosophers have
many debates about it. The idea about a close relation between Good and Evil has been the subject of
fierce discussions. The problem itself has a deep metaphysical meaning. However, the previous centuries
showed that Good did not always oppose to Evil. Very often Evil had such undeniable arguments
that modern researchers view it as a proved ontological ground. The author of the present article tries
to understand the meaning of ontological interpretation of Evil, why Evil and Good always correlate
and why Evil makes us think that God is not all merciful or powerful. The author also touches upon
the question which was already raised by Soren Kierkegaard: does the existence of Evil present some
kind of a paradox?
Keywords:
philosophy, Evil, Good, God, choice, freedom, theodicy, morals, will, theology.
Ontology: being and nihility
Reference:
Karpenko, A. S.
Principle of Plentitude in Philosophy. Part II
// Philosophy and Culture.
2013. ¹ 12.
P. 1660-1679.
URL: https://en.nbpublish.com/library_read_article.php?id=63600
Abstract:
The author of the article analyzes logical consequence of the principle of abundance described
by Arthur Lovejoy in his book ‘The Great Chain of Being’ (1936). Arthur Lovejoy asserts that
all potentials of existence must be fulfilled. The principle of abundance is completed with the principle
of plentitude that requires practical implementation of all what is thought to be possible. Fulfillment
of the principle of plentitude causes numerous ‘stratifications’ of space, time, world and all. This is the
conclusion modern cosmology has come to as well. To save ourselves from absolute chaos, we need to
limit the principle of plentitude. Therefore, we approach the most fundamental problem in ontology:
how does the impossible become possible? The series includes the following articles: 1. Introduction.
2. The Great Chain of Being. 3. The principle of abundance. 4. The unified. 5. Theodicy. 6. Ontological
evidence of God’ s existence. 7. The problem of eternity. 8. The limits. 9. The impossible. 10. Theories
of incompleteness. 11. Borders of mind? 12. Destiny of human. 13. Everett worlds. 14. The principle of
plentitude in action. 15. On the way to intelligent Multiverse. Annex. Alternative Reality: Gaius Iulius
Caesar.
Keywords:
Everett worlds, borders of mind, undecidability, Godel about incompleteness, impossibility, eternity, theodicy, principle of abundance, Multiverse, symmetric distortion.
Spectrum of consciousness
Reference:
Goncharova, S. Yu.
John Searle’s Scientific Naturalism
// Philosophy and Culture.
2013. ¹ 12.
P. 1680-1686.
URL: https://en.nbpublish.com/library_read_article.php?id=63601
Abstract:
The article is devoted to fundamental ontology founded by John Searle who was the follower
of scientific naturalism. For John Searle, ‘philosophy starts with scientific facts’ which generally contradicts
to the idea of the world being the way it is described by science. So the philosopher raises the
main question of his philosophy, ‘how does a human, this conscious creature, fit in our physical reality?’
Searle defines the main features of consciousness such as, consciousness is an integrated phenomenon,
focus, functioning under the influence of one’s mood, and so on. However, Searle views subjective firstperson
experience as a fundamental difference between consciousness and body. The philosopher considers
himself to be the follower of the idea of autonomous mentality but at the same time he avoids the
‘consciousness –body’ dualism. John Searle tries to achieve correspondence with scientific naturalism
without simplifying or eliminating the mental element but by expanding our interpretation of the physical
so that it starts to include the mental.
Keywords:
Searle, scientific naturalism, consciousness, subjective first-person experience, scientific facts, physical reality, materialistic conceptions, external realism, naturalism, qualia.
The issues of holistic world
Reference:
Gelbert, V. A.
Single Essence and Continuity of Mobius
// Philosophy and Culture.
2013. ¹ 12.
P. 1687-1706.
URL: https://en.nbpublish.com/library_read_article.php?id=63602
Abstract:
The logical basis for the present article is the continuity of the Mobius band which is still poorly
studied. The idea of the Mobius band having only one side has been criticized by the followers of the bifurcation
approach from the very beginning. The author of the present article distracts from the quantitative
aspect of the matter and analysis of the side of the Mobius band and analyzes the Mobius band the point
of interconvertibility of sides where dimensions stop differing and create the unique sphere of the Mobius
space. Based on the results of research, the author offers an idea of ‘continuity’ based on demonstrated and
observed infinite indivisibility of the Mobius band. It allows to come to solving important universal questions
about indivisibility and inconvertibility of the matter. These properties are discovered by experiment in the
Mobius band and proved by a strictly verified law. According to this law, the matter is long and continued
and is capable of self-preservation, stable equilibrium and indestructibility. The universe has no ‘holes’, ‘borders’
or ‘gaps’. This is what metaphysical conceptions are based on. Metaphysical generalizations play an
important role in science and human life, too. Metaphysical generalizations allow to solve the Poincare conjecture,
to analyze the Euclid’s parallel axiom, to understand absolute properties of singularity possessed by
human who can represent the principle of indivisibility himself because he can change the world and at the
same time he exists according to the rules and laws of the same world.
Keywords:
continuity, infinite indivisibility, singularity, length, interconvertibility, spatial homogeneity, unique sphere, continued symmetry, movement, preservation.
Frontiers and theories of knowledge
Reference:
Bogdanova, V. O.
Metamorphoses of Subjectivity in Constructivist Models
// Philosophy and Culture.
2013. ¹ 12.
P. 1707-1717.
URL: https://en.nbpublish.com/library_read_article.php?id=63603
Abstract:
The article is devoted to constructivist models of philosophizing in terms of their succession and interdependence
in accordance with particular historically developed traditions of philosophizing. The author
of the article defines the three types of constructivist models of philosophizing: constructivist hylomorphism,
constructivist eidetics and constructivist hermeneutics. In constructivist hylomorphism the basic constructs
are a priori forms of cognition that create prerequisites for subjectivity, in constructivist eidetics – phenomena
of consciousness that ensure the subjectivity of the world and in constructivist hermeneutics – communication
means that create conditions for inter-subjectivity.
Keywords:
philosophy, subject, epistemology, knowledge, constructivism, philosophizing, typology, hylomorphism, eidetic, hermeneutics.
Connection of times
Reference:
Shipovskaya, L. P., Gemonov, A. V.
Philosophical Interpretation of Heraldic Symbols in Russia
During the Mongol-Tatar Yoke
// Philosophy and Culture.
2013. ¹ 12.
P. 1718-1727.
URL: https://en.nbpublish.com/library_read_article.php?id=63604
Abstract:
The present research is devoted to the topical issue in modern socio-humanistic studies. This issue
has a cross-disciplinary nature and is a logical follow-up and development of the fundamental scientific
ideas presented by Russian and foreign philosophers, cryptographers, historians and cultural researchers.
The important part of the article is devoted to the role of heraldry and philosophical interpretation of the
symbol in Russia during the period of 240-year dependence of Russian land on Mongol Empire. Each national
culture is peculiar from other cultures. Semiotics allow to create a special view on social life of Russia
during the Mongol-Tatar Yoke and define signs and symbols lying in the basis of Russian material and spiritual
life back in those times. Semiotics also show what signs and symbols of the society influence individual
consciousness and behavior. An important tool of semiotic analysis is the concept about connection between
a symbol and a referent and how this connection influences individual consciousness and behavior.
Keywords:
socio-cultural space, symbolism, heraldic symbols, national mentality, symbol, referent, ‘nationality’ of culture, heraldry, coat of arms, sign.
History of ideas and teachings
Reference:
Manin, I. A.
Opinions on Antique Human (Base Analysis)
// Philosophy and Culture.
2013. ¹ 12.
P. 1728-1734.
URL: https://en.nbpublish.com/library_read_article.php?id=63605
Abstract:
The article presents the main views of Russian and foreign philosophers on man in writings by
Homer, “initial thinkers” and Plato. It is established that there are numerous different opinions about the ancient man. The purpose of the author is to answer the question: what caused such situation? The author arrives
at a conclusion that it has occurred because these philosophers apply modern terms and their own ideas
to interpreting Greek texts.
Keywords:
the ancient world, human, personality, opinion, pasticcio, Homer, initial thinkers, Plato, ideas, concepts.
Social philosophy
Reference:
Bocharova, V. V.
Modern Eurasian Social and Philosophical Concepts Explaining the Phenomenon
of Violence
// Philosophy and Culture.
2013. ¹ 12.
P. 1735-1740.
URL: https://en.nbpublish.com/library_read_article.php?id=63606
Abstract:
The present article is devoted to the analysis of theoretical concepts of Eurasian philosophy on the
phenomenon of violence. The main issue in focus is the theoretical concept about the difference of Western
and Eurasian civilizations as introduced by the followers of Eurasianism. The author of the article underlines
the theoretical importance and potential of Eurasianism philosophical ideas in further researches of
the phenomenon of violence in a modern society. Violence in a modern society continues to be an extremely
topical issue and very important field of research. Russian philosophers have already tried to explain why
images of violence are so spread in popular culture and acts of violence are so frequent in everyday life. Eurasian
concept of violence being related to the core civilization processes raises new issues and creates new
perspectives for their solutions. It is quite obvious that further researches in this sphere should necessarily
take into account all the ideas and concepts offered by classical Eurasianism and developed by traditional
Russian philosophy.
Keywords:
philosophy, Eurasianism, civilization, violence, culture, intuition, phenomenon, solution, life, issues in focus.
Axiology: values and relics
Reference:
Poltorakov, A. Yu.
Ukrainian National Values in Terms of Geocultural (Civilization) Studies
// Philosophy and Culture.
2013. ¹ 12.
P. 1741-1746.
URL: https://en.nbpublish.com/library_read_article.php?id=63607
Abstract:
From the point of view of geocultural studies, the Ukraine is the part of so called ‘Macro-Christian
World’. This type of civilization is characterized by the following features: the unity of all religious beliefs
(Christianity) externally and similarity of axiological grounds (values) internally as well as particular historical
and geographical integrity. The ‘Ukrainian civilization’ combines elements of both ‘Western’ and
‘Eastern’ civilizations. Taking into account the majority of historical and cultural ‘parameters’, the Ukraine
is closer to the Eastern but not Western constituent of the Macro-Christian World. However, the main values
(freedom, equality, brotherhood) do not seem so similar at all. Unclear hierarchy of value priorities of the
Ukrainian ‘national character’ makes the process of further development rather flexible and the Ukrainian
people quite adjustable. The ‘Ukrainian idea’ as a national state project is not only about ‘adjusting’ to a
particular scheme or model (either Western or European). It is about creative reframing and adaptation of
certain borrowings that have proven to be potentially attractive.
Keywords:
cultural research, values, civilization, freedom, equality, brotherhood, priorities, Ukraine, nation, geoculture.
Meaning and silence
Reference:
Kiyaschenko, N. I.
Zero Identity
// Philosophy and Culture.
2013. ¹ 12.
P. 1747-1756.
URL: https://en.nbpublish.com/library_read_article.php?id=63608
Abstract:
The topic of research is the phenomenon of ‘zero identity’ – the term which was first described
in post-modernistic literature. The word ‘identity’ and other terms that have a close meaning have been
long developing in Western philosophy from Ancient times to modern analytical philosophy. Groups of
people who managed to acquire at least some unity have eventually survived much better than the groups
that did not acquire it. Based on Alvin Toffler, all societies have so called ‘mental sphere’ that covers social
ideas and concepts starting from formation of communities and identities. Thus, the concept of ‘relation’
or ‘commonality’ and the process of identification with others are the main fundamental links between all
human systems. The author of the article uses the methodological principle of hermeneutic analysis in the
course of research. Writings of other researchers allow to successively proceed to the final phenomenology
of ‘zero identity’. The author also provides a critical analysis of the concepts evolving around the term ‘zero
identity’. He argues with other researchers who consider ‘zero identity’ as complete absence of content. Whereupon, it is possible to understand the phenomenon of zero identity only from the point of view of
individual and group identities. This is the new approach offered by the author. According to the author,
zero identity has particular content. Zero identity can present disintegration of individual and group identities
or numerous identities.
Keywords:
ethnocentrism, philosophy, identity, culture, religion, sub-culture, marginality, nationalism, multiculturalism, psychology.
Philosophical anthropology
Reference:
Chernov, S. V.
The Problem of Genius From the Point of View of Philosophical Anthropology
// Philosophy and Culture.
2013. ¹ 12.
P. 1757-1769.
URL: https://en.nbpublish.com/library_read_article.php?id=63609
Abstract:
From the point of view of philosophical anthropology genius is viewed, first of all, as a higher state
of human mind and secondly, as a phenomenon of spiritual culture. The author of the article defines the
three types of mind, practical mind, positive mind and creative mind. Human is different from other living
creatures not because human has a mind but because human has spirits (‘human genius’) presented in mind,
consciousness and creative activity as an integrated phenomenon. It is proved that human genius is what
triggers human history and develops spiritual culture. In its turn, genius is created by culture in all known
forms of culture (religion, art, philosophy, science and education) because it is the main source of spiritual
culture.
Keywords:
philosophical anthropology, genius, practical mind, positive mind, creative mind, cognition, creative activity, contemplation of ideas, spiritual culture.
Dasein of the human being
Reference:
Grishin, V. V.
Religious Philosophy, Russian Literature and Existentialism in Searching for
the Meaning of Life
// Philosophy and Culture.
2013. ¹ 12.
P. 1770-1775.
URL: https://en.nbpublish.com/library_read_article.php?id=63610
Abstract:
The article is devoted to the search for the meaning of life by Semyon Frank and Martin Heidegger.
Why did a Russian religious philosopher and German existentialist address the meaning of life at the same
time? Is there a relation between a meaning of life of an individual or the meaning of history? Should we say
that human views on the meaning of life have been developing historically? What human thought of his being
and existence at crucial historical moments? Why philosophers looking for the meaning of life often come to
understanding the absurdity of life and what makes human to refuse from social purposes and turn to transcendency?
This is the range of questions the author of the present article consider when comparing Martin
Heidegger’s approach to Semyon Frank’s philosophy. Dramatic relations between human and his existence
and searches for the meaning of life and meaning of history are expressed in Russian classical literature as
well. However, in Russian literature searches for the meaning of life never lead to despair or a calling to
leave social life and turn to transcendency like in philosophy. Quite on the contrary, Russian writers tempt
us to look for a better life.
Keywords:
philosophy, meaning, history, existential, being, existence, despair, Christianity, transcendence, spirit, humanism.
Ethics
Reference:
Nazaretian, K. A.
Basic Ethics in Journalism
// Philosophy and Culture.
2013. ¹ 12.
P. 1776-1787.
URL: https://en.nbpublish.com/library_read_article.php?id=63611
Abstract:
In modern Russian literature there are almost no researches of ethics in journalism. The author of
the present article is filling in the gap. By analyzing six major journalistic codes in different countries as well
as a number of theoretical researches, the author of the present article defines the following seven basic ethical
values in journalism: truth, no harm, objectivity, freedom of speech, honesty, social responsibility and
justice. Journalistic ethics is viewed as a part of a greater system of public morals.
Keywords:
philosophy, ethics, society, journalism, mass media, values, standards, rules, code, profession.
Philosophy and culture
Reference:
Makovetsky, E.A.
On the Question About Perspectives of the Concept of Cultural Heritage
// Philosophy and Culture.
2013. ¹ 12.
P. 1788-1796.
URL: https://en.nbpublish.com/library_read_article.php?id=63612
Abstract:
The article is the attempt to explain contradictions of practice of preservation of a cultural heritage
by the fact of existence of ideology of a cultural heritage. However, the concept of a cultural heritage can be
considered through a prism of one of the most significant constants of culture: division of the world on visible and invisible, or on material and spiritual. On the basis of this approach the attempt to correct a modern
view on the past can be made.
Keywords:
philosophy, heritage, ideology, ideologeme, past, history, authenticity, progress, globalization, personality.
Philosophy of law
Reference:
Katsapova, I. A.
Philosophy of Law in Public Space
// Philosophy and Culture.
2013. ¹ 12.
P. 1797-1811.
URL: https://en.nbpublish.com/library_read_article.php?id=63613
Abstract:
The article is devoted to the problem of adjusting philosophical law to modern conditions. The
author of the article describes the status of philosophy of law as an inter-disciplinary sphere and outlines
the main problems of methodological and world view approaches to philosophy of law and the range of
problems studied by philosophy of law. The author also analyzes the modern relation between theory and
practice in today’s legal studies. The author describes the principle of professional approach to law and legal
studies. This principle is related to legal dogmatics. The article contains conceptual proof of the normative
theory offered by Ronald Dworkin and historical retrospective of Russian traditions in the normative
theory developed by P. Novgorodsev, L. Petrazitsky and I. Ilyin). The author also discusses the topical issues
of morals in law and a close connection between morals and law. The author suggests that we should view
the aforesaid issue from the point of view of the relation between legal world-view and legal awareness. In
particular, the theory of legal awareness provides proof of the imperative and attributive nature of legal
relations. The author also touches upon modern discussions regarding the social role of law and the question
whether the law or legislation should govern.
Keywords:
philosophy, philosophy of law, philosophical reflection, law, morals, judicial positivism, legal world-view, legal awareness, culture, historical.
The stream of books
Reference:
Paskhin, E. N., Shilovskaya, E. E.
About E. V. Gryaznova’s and A. D. Ursul’s Monograph ‘Information
and Virtual Reality: Conceptual Grounds of the Problem’
// Philosophy and Culture.
2013. ¹ 12.
P. 1812-1818.
URL: https://en.nbpublish.com/library_read_article.php?id=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).
Keywords:
philosophy, information, diversity, movement, reflection, virtual world, importance, virtual studies, virtuation, universum.