Two models of catharsis in the cultural tradition of Europe
https://doi.org/10.32603/2412-8562-2019-5-3-12-23
Abstract
Introduction. The modern western socio-cultural space differs from the preceding historical eras by the absence of institutionalized practices of catharsis. This creates difficulties for representatives of contemporary culture, since the question of suffering becomes more acute in the absence of relevant purification practices. Thereby the study of catharsis models that existed in the cultural tradition of Europe is particularly important.
Materials and methods. The present work methodology is based on the accepted in philosophy of culture analysis methods of primary sources and research literature.
Results. The catharsis is understood as a temporary purification of a subject from the suffering through the specific experience of deliverance from the self. The self carries within negativity and illiberality, and also produces a large amount of suffering which man endures throughout life. The author distinguishes in terms of Nietzsche's philosophy the Dionysian and the Apollonian catharsis techniques. The Dionysian model implies the overcoming of the self and its further unity with the totality of being by means of an irrational act of ecstasy. On the contrary, the Apollonian catharsis technique is related to an austerity and concentration. It implies the development of contemplation powers in order to stop the spontaneous mind activity and “to mortify” the self afterwards. The catharsis practices are examined on the examples of ancient mysteries, Neoplatonism and hesychasm.
Discussion. The result of the research is the distinction between two models of catharsis in the cultural tradition of Europe.
Conclusion. Methodologically opposite models of catharsis are similar in their goal, which is the attaining of non-duality manifested through the absence of separation between the subject and the object after the deliverance from the self. The author considers this experience as the ultimate for human existence and calls it the “anthropological maximum”.
About the Author
V. A. Lapatin
Mozhaisky Military Aerospace Academy
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Vadim A. Lapatin – Candidate of Philosophical Sciences (2015), Lecturer at the Department of History and Philosophy
13, Zhdanovskaja Str., St. Petersburg, 197082
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Review
For citations:
Lapatin V.A. Two models of catharsis in the cultural tradition of Europe. Discourse. 2019;5(3):12-23. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.32603/2412-8562-2019-5-3-12-23
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