Ontological Nature of P. A. Florensky’s Theory of Cognition

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to shed light on ontological nature of P. A. Florensky’s theory of cognition. Scientific novelty of the work lies in determining reasons why philosophical and dialectical type of cognition considered by P. A. Florensky is ontological in nature. In particular, the paper argues that P. A. Florensky distinguishes this type of cognition as authentic, firstly, because it corresponds to essence of reality, understood as a living integral organism, and, secondly, because it contributes to increasing manifestation of ideal meaning in things. As a result, it is shown that P. A. Florensky’s philosophical and dialectical cognition is ontological, since it spiritualises a cognoscible thing, transforms it towards ideal reality.