Metaphysics of sex in Russian religious philosophy (using the concepts of Vasily Rozanov and Vladimir Solovyov as examples)

The article discusses the concepts of sex in the writings of two prominent Russian philosophers, Vasily Rozanov and Vladimir Solovyov. It argues for the importance of examining these concepts in their works, as they have not received sufficient attention in scholarly literature. The article notes that sex concepts in these authors' writings are often overlooked in favor of more popular topics such as the philosophy of love or wholeness. However, their intellectual contributions to understanding the relationship between sex and human nature were crucial in shaping Russian sex philosophy and Orthodox theology, as exemplified by the works of Father Thomas Hopko and Paul Evdokimov. Overall, the article emphasizes the significance of exploring sex concepts in the writings of Rozanov and Solovyov, both for their own intellectual value and their influence on subsequent philosophical and theological thought.. Rozanov and Solovyov are closely related to the objective crisis of the Christian (Orthodox) attitude towards the sexual dimension in human beings, which manifested itself in the mid-19th century and was a result of the emphasis on the ideal of virginity and monasticism in the Christian culture of previous centuries. The author concludes that the fundamental principles of sex metaphysics in Rozanov's works can be summarized as follows: (1) the recognition of the fundamental connection between sex and human nature, (2) the acceptance of the multi-dimensional nature of the sexual aspect, and (3) the affirmation of androgyny as the essence of human nature. These fundamental principles form the basis of his concept of sex. The following are the postulates of Solovyov: (1) sex is an essential part of a person's identity and vocation; (2) the male and female sexes are equal in essence, representing equally imperfect qualities, although their social roles and spiritual callings differ; (3) androgyny is the highest form of love, a God-like way that unites the masculine and feminine aspects within a person. The author declares no conflicts of interests.

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