Hryhoriy Skovoroda’s metaphilosophy

In this article the heritage of Hryhoriy Skovoroda is considered from the metaphilosophical point of view. This approach is useful because it allows seeing some syncretism as unity of philosophy, theology, religion, myth, and poetry in the legacy of Hryhoriy Skovoroda. Therefore, the author stresses that when we analyze Hryhoriy Skovoroda’s legacy, it is wrong to divide it into such parts as philosophy, theology, religion, myth, and poetry. This division does not lead to the whole understanding of Hryhoriy Skovoroda’s personality and works. The author argues that Hryhoriy Skovoroda is the follower of Philosophia Perennis tradition, characterized by syncretism. Such syncretism of Skovoroda’s writings is neither bad nor good. We see unique unity of philosophy, poetry, religion and mythology in Skovoroda’s life and his works. The author argues that such a unity is useful for deeper understanding of the world and a human being. Syncretic unity of Skovoroda’s worldview helps to overcome different oppositions of classical philosophy (subject-object, inner-external, immortal-mortal, natural-supernatural, human-divine, relative-absolute etc.). We live in times of analysis and fragmented world. Therefore syncretism is very hard to understand. In order to understand syncretism, we should return to synthetic thinking, rediscover the synthetic function of our consciousness. Life and works of Skovoroda show us how a human being can think synthetically and regain the whole worldview. The whole worldview helps to live in harmony with others and nature. This harmony is necessary in our times of “moral blindness” (Zygmunt Bauman), decline of traditions which directed us towards common values.