The Idea of Freedom in Vladimir Solovyov’s Ethics

Abstract

The article deals with the problem of freedom in the philosophy of unity of Vladimir Solovyov. In his system, freedom is a condition for achieving positive unity. The theme of freedom acquired special significance when the philosopher explored the idea of theocracy. In the works of different periods, V. Solovyov evaluates the status and purpose of freedom differently. In “Readings about bogochelovechestvo”, “Criticism of the abstract beginnings”, “The Spiritual foundations of life” Solovyov acknowledges the freedom of choice, which is one of the moments of moral freedom. A person is presented as an unconditional, independent agent, the real cause of all his Affairs and States. Solovyov believes that a person needs a real experience that would allow him to «evaluate» good, thereby allowing evil to be a stage in the path of moral perfection of a man. In “Justification of good” Solovyov does not exclude unconditional freedom, but it can manifest itself, in his opinion, only in the choice of evil, good is not the object of such a choice because of the infinite completeness of its content. Solovyov rejects the direct dependence of the ethical aspect on the metaphysical one and does not accept, as in “Criticism of abstract principles”, the dependence of the moral principle in a person on free choice.