HRYHORII SKOVORODA’S DOCTRINE OF "TRUE MAN" AS PHILISOPHICAL FOUNDATION OF ELITISM

Анотація

The article analyzes the basic concept of GryhoriySkovoroda’s outlook - the problem of man (“true man”), freedom of choice and happiness and how to achieve that happiness. To understand the essence of this issue, the role and significance of this phenomenon in the life of a nation the views of Skovorada are considered. Anthropological problem is the basis of thinker’s works. The examples of his creative heritage help to substantiated this issue. It is a scientific interest as a general philosophical, as well as literary and historical context.

The problem of man is an eternal one. It occupies a prominent place not only in the Ukrainian historical and philosophical thought, but it is the important issue for Ukrainian nation.

In each new era many philosophers interpreted it at different angles, sought to reveal its essence, adapt to the world, but a historical need and time asked their pace, where the ideal of man was learned only partially.

Ukrainian Socrates GryhoriySkovoroda turned his attention to anthropological perspective. The 18^th century was extremely difficult for Ukraine - the struggle of Ukrainian people against social, economic, political, national and spiritual oppression against autocratic tyranny, despotic tyranny, feudalism and lawlessness.

The philosopher addressed his work to the people. He tried to find the way to true happiness, which is understood not as illusory possession of “worldly temptations”, but as a “peace of mind”, “calm of heart.” His works are imbued with a fervent appeal to every individual to become a true person, to choose from the external to the internal, from the fleshly to the spiritual and thus unite with God – the nature of all things.

Skovoroda showed the inner world of a man, because he preferred not external knowledge and knowledge of “true man” – a true creation of God, which can be happy in this life.

The pantheistic doctrine of Skovoroda – “three worlds” and “two natures” was the basis of his philosophical teachings.

Skovoroda was genuinely convinced that human life is God’s will, it defines its mission. The one who is unhappy in any rank or dignity does not heed the calling of the will. “True man” sees the meaning of life not only in strengthening moral and ethical principles, but in his work “on congenial”. The knowledge of “congenial”, according Skovoroda means to act and work according to person’s abilities, inclinations, talents. Only in unity “rank”, “post” and “work”, all activities with “congeniality”, abilities and inclinations of invisible nature “true human” reveals.

From the idea of “congenial work” based on pantheistic doctrine of “three worlds” and “two natures” naturally follows the issue of happiness, equality and freedom.

The person, albeit with difficulty, can get or buy everything necessary to meet his material needs, but this happiness is illusory, because it does not bring the desired satisfaction. True happiness is given without any cost, it is the only one what man needs – God.

Skovoroda combines the promotion of happiness and removal of unhappiness with the exercise of the fundamental principles – Socratic “know yourself’ and Epicurean “live on nature”. Full expression and complete human happiness is achieved by combining the private and public good. According to the philosopher, happy society is a harmonious combination of morally

perfect people to freely create and work on their abilities, inclinations, vocation.

The ideal of harmony in social life for thinking is a world that is presented in the Bible, where love and harmony rule.

To touch up man to the moral self-improvement and to help him pave the way to freedom are one of the fundamental principles of the philosopher.

The free will according to the “invisible nature” means to manage it and the objects of external world. Even in captivity, a person must obtain his freedom.

Skovoroda’s philosophical system reflects the characteristics of national outlook and attitude to the world. It appears Ukrainian religiousness, “turn to oneself” and excessive sensitivity of Ukrainian character. In our difficult times where the lost of trust, spirituality and reassessment of values, Skovoroda’s humanistic ideas experience a rebirth and have a significant impact on the processes of cultural, spiritual and national revival in Ukraine.

Keywords: elite, "two natures", "true man", freedom, "congenial work", "three worlds" happiness.