The Monstrosity of Philosophy

The article is a response to the calls for a comprehensive understanding of the nature of monstrosity, that is, those phenomena that are not amenable to empirical observation but are increasingly attracting scholarly interest. It is shown how the monster can be conceptualized as an object of culture of human imagination, i.e., in the form of works created by a culture in order to constitute its own identity, as well as in terms of behavior and practical actions through which they appear and can be discussed from a moral point of view. Admitting the importance of understanding of monstrosity within the humanities and social sciences, it is necessary to note a connection of this phenomenon with philosophy as something constantly emerging and associated with liminal zones. The author considers designations that are often used as synonyms for monstrosity and determines its specific nature. The article postulates that philosophy tries to conceptualize how a person is attracted by the world with its monstrosity, which is not just a component of being but its inherent nature. Moreover, as it deals with monstrosity, philosophy itself acquires a monstrous nature; in this sense, it cannot not be a creative activity of a universal character. In conclusion, it is stated that the philosophical understanding of monstrosity is critically important, since philosophy postulates foundations that are always monstrous in one way or another. It is also noted that the natural-scientific origins of the study of monstrosity have a philosophical orientation, since they address the fundamental question - “What is life?” Thus, monstrosity requires constant philosophical reflection on the human nature and life in general, whose boundaries are unstable and elusive.

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