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From the history of Danish-Russian bilingual lexicography. Ivan Stscelkunoff (1870–1966) and his dictionary
No full textThe first Danish-Russian dictionary (Dansk-Russisk Ordbog) was published in
Denmark in 1949. Author Ivan Stchelkunoff was born in Copenhagen to a family that
moved from Russia. He received a good education, studied at the prestigious Metropolitan
School, then at the University of Copenhagen, majoring in Latin, Greek and
English. In 1901–1910 he was an Orthodox deacon in Athens. The years after returning
to Denmark until 1917 were very successful. He was priest of the Imperial Diplomatic Mission of Russia, priest of the Alexander Nevsky Church in Copenhagen. He implemented
several projects related to Russia. He published a book based on the history
of Russia, Letters of Empress Catherine to the Dowager Queen Juliane Maria, a translation
of I. S. Turgenev’s novel The Day Before, Russian Textbook for Beginners, Russian
Commercial Correspondence, and two pocket dictionaries: Danish-Russian and Russian-
Danish. In the early 1920s he moved from Copenhagen to Bornholm, where he
became a teacher. He told about his life in the book Fifty years under the golden domes.
Denmark, Greece, Russia. The publication of translations of L. N. Tolstoy’s novel Anna
Karenina and two Ehrenburg books belongs to this period. In 1945, after the surrender
of Germany, Soviet soldiers had to liberate the island due to the ridiculous orders of
the German command. In 1945–1946, when they were on the island, Stchelkunoff was
“an interpreter for Russian soldiers.” The Danish-Russian dictionary was created for a
long time, from 1934 to 1946. In the preface, the author expresses gratitude to professor
Holger Pedersen, who helped him. The dictionary was published in 1949 shortly after
the adoption of changes in Danish spelling, but they could not be taken into account.
Danish-Russian Dictionary is aimed at Danish users “who want to learn Russian, but
it can be useful for Russians who want to get directly acquainted with Danish literature
while reading.” Therefore, the author made do with minimal grammatical explanations.
There are no lists of abbreviations and geographical names that are given in the corpus.
The dictionary is satisfactory for this volume (about 30.000 words), although there are
non-obvious lexemes for this pair of languages. In general, the dictionary can be assessed
as reliable, conscientiously made and very timely appeared
Alexandre Koyré and the new historiography of science
No full textThe author’s task is to draw attention once again to the philosophical and historical research
method invented by A. Koyré, who, according to many, revolutionized historiography. The
aim is to show the dependence of major scientific discoveries on fundamental transformations
in philosophy. From this perspective, the scientific revolution of the seventeenth century is
considered: Galileo’s discovery of the inertial movement was determined by a change in ideas
about the Universe. The closed, hierarchically ordered world of Aristotle, characteristic of Antiquity
and the Middle Ages, was replaced by a picture of an infinite Universe. In it, the same
laws apply to celestial bodies and the Earth, and the circular motion of bodies is replaced by
the motion along an infinite straight line, i. e., inertial. In this connection, Galileo’s Dialogues
are carefully and thoroughly examined, in which he appears not only as a brilliant scientist,
but also as a Socratically minded philosopher. The discoveries of Galileo and Newton are
correctly evaluated as the creation of new foundations of scientific theory as compared with
those previous, and the reasons for the appearance of such new foundations are explained.
The novelty of the article also lies in the fact that the success of Koyré’s analysis is presented in
the context of a dispute — a dialogue of the greatest scientific minds — of Aristotle and Plato,
Descartes and Newton. Highly appreciating the achievements of A. Koyré, the author dwells
on some of the shortcomings of his method: underestimation of social transformations and
lack of attention to the reverse effect of science on philosophy. It also explains the limitations
of the logical-deductive movement of thought in science, which determined philosophers, in
particular, Kant, to come to the idea of the need to create meaningful logic, although an unknowable
thing-in-itself appeared as the content
The schism in postnonclassical rationality
No full textOntological, epistemological, socio-practical, and ethical aspects demonstrate the impossibility
of the coexistence of the complex idea of human dimensionality with the complex idea
of nonlinearity in the “hard core” of postnonclassical research programs. The idea of human
dimensionality, which necessarily has a real paradigmatic status in postnonclassical science,
seriously limits the worldview ideas of nonlinearity in favor of linear concepts. The claim of
the worldview of nonlinearity to paradigmatic status in postnonclassics leads to the loss of
compatibility of this idea with the idea of human dimensionality, which demonstrates the
groundlessness of this claim. In the ontological aspect, the human being is seen as a result and
a condition for the continuation of a linear world process. The epistemological aspect notes
the insufficiency of any reductionist cognitive strategy to ensure the unity of human knowledge,
and states the immaturity of the current state of social synergetics. In the socio-practical
aspect, the project as the main type of linear activity, which occupies a central place in human
culture, is opposed to the game as the main type of non-linear activity. At the same time,
the anti-project nature of reliance on nonlinear processes is noted. In the ethical aspect, the
incompatibility of postnonclassical rationality with ethical relativism, naturally arising from
the claim of the idea of nonlinearity to paradigmatic status, is considered. Present in the “hard
core” of the postnonclassical research programs the complex idea of human dimensionality
can be protected by different elements of the “protective belt”: on the one hand, either by the
emphasis on the study of linear processes or by the emphasis on the study of nonlinear processes
(using a “soft,” non-paradigmatic variant of the idea of nonlinearity); on the other hand,
either by means of synergetics, or by means of concrete-universal dialectics
Modern sciences in religious Iran: An assessment of the educated Iranians’ attitude toward biological evolution
Full text linkIt is often assumed that there is a confrontation between science and Islam, especially in religious
communities. Biological evolution is often one of the constant sources of contention
due to its metaphysical implications. Although there are some empirical data showing low
acceptance of evolution and understanding its basic principles in Sunni-majority countries,
there has been a categorical lack of data about Iran as the most influential Shiite-majority
state. Therefore, in order to reach a better understanding of the culture and world-view of
Iranians, we implemented two established questionnaires and phone interviews to assess
educated Iranians’ attitude toward evolution. We reach an important conclusion, which is
supported by extensive quantitative data obtained from two separate questionnaires, that
most Iranians accept both underlying principles as well as controversial topics such as human
evolution in a striking rate. Additionally, key concepts of evolution were greatly understood
by a large fraction of our participants. Finally, the research exhibited that Iranians
did not consider evolution and their religious belief system as two rival systems, regardless
of identifying themselves as religious or non-religious individuals. To investigate the reason
for this cultural phenomenon that is unique among major Islamic countries, we suggest
that it is due to three reasons. Central national education system implementing evolutionary
science at both high school and university levels, explosive accessibility of academic
atmosphere for the public, and more science-friendly interpretation of Islam are thought to
be responsible factors for such a high level of acceptance and understanding. This study has
crucial implications for revisiting the nature of Science-Islam interaction among various
Muslim communities, Shiite Iranians included.This research has been done under the grant for Sharif — Saint Petersburg cultural studies. We
would like to thank both Sharif University of Technology and Saint Petersburg State University for providing
us the opportunity to work jointly on Iranian culture and philosophy
Religion and fantasy in the context of post-secularism
No full textThis article explores various types of interrelations of religion and fictional works in the fantasy
genre. Research is based on key works for the genre (J. R. R. Tolkien, C. Lewis, U. Le Guin,
Ph. Pullman, G. Martin, etc.) using methodological approaches developed in contemporary
religious studies (E. Bailey, R. Bella, K. Cusack, R. Davidsen, E. McAvan). The article demonstrates
that it is important to interpret the phenomenon of fantasy in the context of the
modern post-secular world, which is characterized by such phenomena as religious bricolage,
individualization of religion, and implicit religiosity. The article shows that fantasy authors
not only use religious imaginary and symbolism, drawing inspiration from various religious systems, but also construct invented religions, which, in addition to their intra-plot meaning,
carry an important message, expressing different views on religion, sometimes critical and
anticlerical. Fantasy from the realm of the unreal becomes superreal, highlighting issues that
are significant both for its authors and for the society. Communities and fandoms arise on the
basis of fantasy narratives, and some of them not just implicitly, but quite openly turn into
religious ones. Understood and interpreted in the context of post-secularism, the phenomenon
of the fantasy genre itself with its incredible popularity appears in a new light, since this
popularity can be correlated with new post-secular religiosity, with popular culture being its
important source.The research is supported by the grant of Russian Science Foundation no. 22-28-00920 «Post-secular
religiosity and popular culture: the phenomenon of invented and parody religions», https://rscf.ru/en/
project/22-28-00920/
Variability and constancy of the scientific school, or Harmonization of interrupted identity
No full textThis article examines the connection between the formation of St Petersburg, Petrograd, and
Leningrad schools of psychology and the social context of the development of science in Russia. One important role in this development was played by university departments, laboratories,
journals, and scientific societies in the formation of relevant issues and problems and of
circles of opponent. Camps in the development of psychology at St Petersburg University —
humanitarian, historical-philological, and natural-scientific — from the beginning were associated
with the names of the first professors of the Faculty of Psychology, M. I. Vladislavlev
and A. I. Vvedensky. At the same time, the connecting thread between their concepts was the
priority of scientifically based and objective knowledge and scientific honesty of scientists
themselves. This line in subsequent works of psychologists of the St Petersburg — Leningrad
school remained fundamental, and it became the foundation on which theories developed
in various paradigms in the 20th century. The ideas of N. N. Lange and N. Ya. Groth were
connected with the traditions of the University in St Petersburg, from which they graduated.
Their roles as leading circles of opponents to professors of the St Petersburg school of psychology
— A. F. Lazursky, A. P. Nechaeva, M. Ya. Basov — is a central part of this history. The
article explores the specificity of the approach to activity in the works of M. Ya. Basov. The
significance of theoretical and practical psychology inherent in the works of A. F. Lazursky,
N. A. Nechaev, V. M. Bekhterev for the development of psychological science in Russia is also
analyzed. V. M. Bekhterev was a crucial figure in the creation of a “face of uncommon expression”
of the St Petersburg school, and these ideas were further developed by V. N. Myasishchev
and B. G. Ananyev. Despite moments of crisis in the history of the formation and development
of the Leningrad psychological school, scholars managed to preserve their scientific identity,
combining research on attitudes and motivation, behavior, and activity. Thus, the constancy
of the value orientations of the school and the traditions laid down by its founders were combined
with the variability and transformation of scientific priorities and methodological and
methodic basics necessary for modernity.The study was prepared within the framework of the state task FNRE-2021-0001
On the scientific heritage of Mikhail Ivanovich Vladislavlev
No full textThe article discusses the place and significance of the scientific heritage of M. I. Vladislavlev
(1840–1890) and analyzes the scientific heritage of Vladislavlev, discusses its significance and relevance in the context of modern trends in post-non-classical science. This scholar, who
wrote fundamental works on psychology, was well-known, and even held the post of rector
of St Petersburg University, was forgotten due to a discrepancy between his methodological
preferences and the methodology and ideology on which Russian science of the 20th century
as based. After an internship in Germany, Vladislavlev defended his master’s thesis “Modern
trends in the science of the soul”, published later, and worked at St Petersburg University. In
1885–1887 he was dean of the Faculty of History and Philosophy, and rector from 1987 until
his death in 1990. His students included the likes of A. I. Vvedensky, N. Ya. Groth, N. N. Lange
and others. Vladislavlev’s psychological views are detailed in three volumes of more than
one and a half thousand pages. These present the history of psychology from ancient times
through contemporary trends, as well as his holistic vision of the discipline: the methodology
of psychology is presented in detail and the general structure of the psyche and the entire
spectrum of mental phenomena, mental processes, and properties are described. Vladislavlev
used and developed the method of introspection. When methodology based on the primacy
of the experimental method became firmly established in Russian science, introspection received
the stigma of being “unscientific”. The work of scientists who used this method was not
considered significant and was largely ignored. In the last decades of the twentieth century,
significant changes occurred in psychological methodology, as well as in the general methodology
of science. Cultural conditioning and relativity of scientific ideals and norms have
become obvious, the influence of the “humanitarian” paradigm has grown, and the use of
narrative approaches is expanding.The study was supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research, project no. 20-013-00260
“National and local schools of psychology in the context of global socio-cultural trends: challenges and
prospects”
Origins of Leningrad (St Petersburg) school of psychology of aging in works of B. G. Ananyev and M. D. Alexandrova
No full textThis article explores the origins and foundations of the Leningrad (St Petersburg) school of the
psychology of aging. The historical perspective of the development of the ideas of the psychology
of aging from the global trends that existed at the beginning of the 20th century is presented,
the general prerequisites for the emergence of the Leningrad (St Petersburg) approach
to understanding the aging process in general, as well as the basic principles of the Leningrad
(St Petersburg) school of the psychology of aging that have arisen on their basis are shown.
The world psychology of aging began with the deficit paradigm of aging, which accepts involutionary
processes as the norm of ontogenesis. At the same time, developmental psychology
did not perceive the aging period as a period of human development. B. G. Ananyev, having
analyzed and systematized the existing data and views on human ontogenesis, put forward the
idea of the integrity of human development and the continuity of processes. Based on these
ideas, M. D. Alexandrova first empirically confirmed these ideas using the example of sensory-
perceptual functions, and then expanded the area of her scientific interests to the human
ability to work. These studies led her to the conviction that the aging period is a period with
its own resources and potentials, the activation of which will depend not only on the current
situation, but also on the previous period of development. She also demonstrated the ambiguity
and variability of developmental periods. The work shows that the proposed ideas were not
only advanced for their time, but in many ways were ahead of their time. It was shown that
the main idea of the Leningrad (St Petersburg) school of psychology of aging can be characterized
as a constructive — positive approach to understanding aging processes, focused
on human potentials and resources. It was shown that the ideas suggested by B. G. Ananyev and M. D. Alexandrova, continue in the works of their students and followers, who share and
develop these ideas
The discursive practices of the research program of B. F. Lomov in promotion of Soviet engineering psychology
No full textThe article discusses a series of publications by B. F. Lomov from the 1960s aimed at promoting
engineering psychology, with the analysis based on discourse analysis and political sociology
of science and using articles grouped and examined in terms of print to appeal to different
audiences: party elite, mid-level administrators, academia, and psychologists. The emphasis
is on practices used to associate engineering psychology with the interests of relevant groups.
The rise of the cybernetics movement, which aimed to consolidate scientific disciplines and to
expand the political influence of science, is considered as a general context for the application
of Lomov’s discursive practices. In this situation, engineering psychology had the advantage
of being the branch of psychological research that was closest to the approaches of cybernetics
and had the best growth opportunities in the context of the expanding influence of the latter.
This trend met with natural resistance from groups that initially found themselves disconnected
from cybernetics. These included groups in the humanities involved in political campaigns
in science of the 1940s–1950s, including the anti-cybernetic campaign, as well as part
of the bureaucracy that dealt with economic planning, a task that could be most affected by
the rise of computer technology. Lomov built his discursive strategy in such a way as to anticipate
possible critical attacks. The practices he worked out in publications under examination
largely predetermined the practices that he used to promote psychology, acting as director of
the Institute of Psychology in the next two decades, and thus had a noticeable impact on the
development of Soviet psychology as a whole.The article was prepared with the support of the Russian Foundation for Basic Research, project no.
19-011-00865
Theoretical foundations of the psychology of the possible
No full textThis article analyzes the field of science that studies the entire spectrum of phenomena in
the psychology of the possible. Why only today did we start talking about a new field of psychology,
the psychology of the possible? Its novelty lies in the new emphasis on the possible
as unexpected, incredible, and improbable. In the psychology of the possible, at one pole of
the understanding of psychologists is the adaptive possible, based on past experience, and
on the opposite is the possible as a pre-adaptive phenomenon (understanding of events that
are not causally related to the ontogenesis of the subject). The connecting link between these
poles is the idea of the sought-for in human thinking, the prediction of the initially unknown
when solving the problem. In the psychological analysis of personality, on the left pole of the
“conscious — unconscious” continuum, there are alternative possible selves conscious of the
subject and therefore enumerable, on the right — personality as an existential mystery. The
theoretical and methodological foundations of the psychology of the possible were analyzed
in detail — the philosophy of the possible M. N. Epstein, the historical and evolutionary concept
of pre-adaptation to uncertainty by A. G. Asmolov with colleagues, scientific ideas about
the uncertainty of the human world. The concept of possible thinking, which analyzes different
options and alternatives of the possible, is disclosed and substantiated in detail. At the end
of the report three large groups of phenomena in the psychology of the possible are analyzed:
the phenomena traditionally studied in psychology that relate to the possible (affordances,
anticipation, and others), the phenomena of the sought-for, and the understanding of the possible
as a pre-adaptive phenomenon that characterizes unstable situations, the occurrence of
which cannot be predicted