UDC: 1
https://doi.org/10.25198/2077-7175-2025-3-121
CLASSIFICATION OF RELIGIONS BY D. V. PIVOVAROV: HEURISTIC VALUE
I. A. Belyaev
Orenburg State University, Orenburg, Russia
e-mail: igorbelyaev@list.ru
A. M. Maksimov
Orenburg State Medical University, Orenburg, Russia
e-mail: maksimov_a_m@mail.ru
Abstract. The relevance of the work lies in the fact that various classifications of religion presented in the philosophical literature do not create prerequisites for its holistic vision, but reflect only individual specific historical in¬carnations of this phenomenon. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to substantiate the fact that the classification proposed by D. V. Pivovarov, formed on the basis of a synthetic concept, allows us to identify the multidimensionality and heuristic value of religion. Relying on the dialectic method, its inherent principles of integrity, historicism, systemicity, using a complex of analytical and synthetic operations, we develop the problem in such a way that the obtained results and conclusions testify to the scientific, theoretical and practical significance of the study devoted to Pivovarov’s classification.
The first section of the article demonstrates that Pivovarov’s synthetic concept of religion arose in the conditions of a contradictory cognitive-ideological situation; immediately after its publication, it had supporters and opponents. However, despite the fact that the new always «takes root» with difficulty, over time Pivovarov’s concept begins to acquire an increasing number of adherents.
The second section draws attention to the serious analytical work done by Pivovarov to clarify the etymology of the word and the definition of the concept of religion. In some interpretations of religion he sees the origins of a general definition, while others he subjects to quite serious criticism, arguing that none of them should be considered erroneous, since all of them are formed on the basis of certain material reflecting the essence of this phenomenon, even if only partially. The third section is devoted to the analysis of egocentric, sociocentric and cosmocentric religions, identifying their bearers, common features and characteristic features. It is shown that, having analyzed in detail the doctrines of these religions, Daniil Valentinovich comes to the conclusion: if we are guided by a synthetic paradigm, highlighting stable and fragmentary connections, we can obtain a holistic picture with significant potential for further research. As an example, he cites the Baha’i religion, in which he was impressed by both the peaceful behavior of its representatives and the subtleties of the content of the teaching itself. There is also a practical component in Pivovarov’s views, which consists in the fact that a person must make the choice of one religion or another independently and consciously.
Key words: D. V. Pivovarov, religion, atheism, classification of religions, egocentric religions, sociocentric religions, cosmocentric religions.
Cite as: Belyaev, I. A., Maksimov, A. M. (2025) [Classification of religions by D. V. Pivovarov: heuristic value]. In¬tellekt. Innovacii. Investicii [Intellect. Innovations. Investments]. Vol. 3, pp. 121–129. – https://doi.org/10.25198/2077- 7175-2025-3-121.
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