DOSTOEVSKY AND SPIRITUALISM: ON THE SETTING OF THE PROBLEM

Abstract

Aim. To give a general overview of Dostoevsky's contacts and connections with spiritualism both in real life and in his works.

Methodology. The author provides the context of the discussion about spiritualism in Russian society and specifically among Russian writers. The influence of the ideas of the Swedish mystic Swedenborg on F. M. Dostoevsky is traced and, through this influence, the connection of themes and motives in Dostoevsky's works with spiritualistic doctrine is revealed. The research uses historical-literary and hermeneutic methods.

Results. The influence of Swedenborgian and spiritualist ideas on certain characters of Dostoevsky (Svidrigailov), on the messages of entire works (Bobok) and on poetics (epistemic doubt) is noted and described.

Research implications. As a result of the study, further ways of studying this topic are outlined, the main directions for the development of research on the interconnections and intersections of the philosophical and artistic system of Dostoevsky and the spiritualist doctrine are laid out.