Considering "Mystika" in Terms of Ethnocultural Aspect

Abstract

Aim . To introduce an ethnocultural approach to the philosophical study of "mystika" (V. Solovyov's specific term for mysticism) as a sociocultural phenomenon. Methodology . A systematic method was applied using historical and philosophical reconstruction and historical and religious comparative studies, as well as content analysis, modeling, abstraction, analysis and synthesis. Results . "Mystika" was viewed as a fact of human contact with a fundamentally incomprehensible Mystery, which can never be fully comprehended, but is revealed under certain conditions (in mystical experience). The main stages of its research were established: in the earliest stages of human culture, "mystika" began to develop as a special sphere of spiritual life based on myths, and then it was assimilated within the myth-magical complex as the basis of sacred knowledge. As shown by the examples of relict tribes, "mystika" developed in parallel with magic, religion, and philosophy. In ancient Greek culture, the first “theoretical” concept of "mystika" was formed against the backdrop of mystery practice. The specific concept of mysticism was introduced into philosophical circulation only in the 19th century by V. Solovyov. In Russian philosophy of the early 20th century, "mystika" was mastered in the mainstream of “mystical philosophy” by Russian thinkers who had directly experienced mystical experiences. Research implications lie in the actualisation of philosophical consideration of "mystika" and the introduction into scientific circulation of little-studied layers of philosophical and religious knowledge, revealing the unique features of Russian philosophical thought and spiritual culture.