Agriculture as a Form of 'Life-thinking' in Georgy Gachev's Philosophy
Abstract
The article discusses a Georgy Gachev's original research approach. The author examines the method of “engaged thinking” and the concept of “lifethinking” in the philosophy of Georgy Gachev. The assumption is introduced that, in a number of parameters, Gachev's philosophical position correlates to the mythopoetic apprehension of the world. In particular it correlates to the principle of “participatory attention.” As one of the forms of “life-thinking,” is separately analyzed the understanding of agriculture, which is considered in this tradition not only and not so much as a type of farming, but also as a certain metaphysical idea. Gachev's conclusions regarding the essence of agriculture as a form of “life-thinking” are supported by evidence and arguments from the works of specialists studying the peculiarities of the worldview and social structure of mythopoetic agricultural societies (B. Davidson, A. L. Toporkov, M. Eliade). The author draws parallels between the role of one of the central “life thoughts” of Gachev in the general context of his life and the concept of intercultural communication developed by him.