Historiosophical views of F. M. Dostoevsky and democratic concept of schism of A. P. Shchapov

Abstract

The subject of this research is the concept of schism of A. P. Shchapov, as well historiosophical constructs of F. M. Dostoevsky that revolve around comprehension of the problem of schism and its role in the historical process. The goal of this article lies in determination of the impact of democratic concept of schism presented in the works of A. P. Shchapov “Russian Schism of Old Believers”, “The Land and the Schism”, “Land and Schism. The Runners” upon the formation of historiosophical views of Dostoyevsky and peculiarities of his understanding of the phenomenon of schism. The use of systemic approach allows examining the phenomenon of schism as a central element of historiosophy of Dostoevsky in relation to socioeconomic concept of Shchapov, which laid the foundation for the populist trend in historiography of the schism and associated with the history of development of democratic thought in Russia. The scientific novelty is defined by comprehensive approach towards description of the topic of schism as a core element of Dostoevsky’s historiosophy that considers its dependence on the historical and sociopolitical factors. It is underlined that writer’s perception of schism as a protest movement and people’s discontent as a driving force of the history was formed under the influence of Shchapov’s concept on the political nature of schism, which sparked public outcry. Leaning on the democratic concept of history and overcoming the limitation of building a liberal camp, Dostoevsky creates an original model of Russia’s development based on reunification of high society with the people. In the center of this concept is the understanding of schism as a progressive phenomenon that reflects the awakening of public consciousness and cognitive activity, which retained communal structure that according to Dostoevsky is capable of becoming a foundation for a new form of public order.