Vladimir Soloviev and Maximus the Confessor: metaphysics and theology of love

Abstract

A comparative analysis of the philosophical foundations of the teachings on love by Maximus the Confessor and Vladimir Solovyov is presented utilizing the principles of source analysis, comparative philosophical study, and the historico-genetic method. The case is made for the relevance of this research topic, due to the lack of special studies on the reception of Maximus the Confessor’s doctrine of the love in the works of Vladimir Solovyov. An analysis is given of the extent to which V.V. Vysheslavtseva, K.V. Mochulsky, G.V. Florovsky, A.F. Loseva, S.S. Averintseva, V.M. Lurie, I.B. Benevich, A.I. Sidorova knew of the the problem. The focus is also on the works of foreign authors – H.U. von Balthazar, M.-J. Guillau, D.D. Kornblatt, R.F. Gustafson, E.V. Borisova, J.-K. Larcher, Ts. Angelova, J. Sutton, J. Krasicki, O. Smith – which show a genetic affinity between the teachings of Maximus the Confessor and Vladimir Solovyov. This article also takes up the main sources that reveal the content of the concepts of love in Maximus the Confessor and Vladimir Solovyov. Also taken up here is the extent of the Russian philosopher’s acquaintance with the works and heritage of St. Maximus and Solovyov’s assessment of his place and role in the patristic heritage. We find the focus of attention of modern scholars to be on the epistemological and ethical aspects of love as found in the works of the Byzantine thinker. This article also notes the particular importance of studying the ontological foundations of the concepts of love that are found in Maximus the Confessor and Vladimir Solovyov.