The “Ontologization of Consciousness” as an Apology of Culture in S.L. Frank’s Philosophy

The article discusses the position and meaning of the “I-subject” in the lifeworld. The existence of the “I-subject” as a medium of free will and the value of culture as well as the existence of the value of culture itself are questioned in modern discourse. The answer to such a challenge may be the justification of the existence of a “I-subject” who realizes his rootedness in culture and the rootedness of culture in being. The aim of the article is to interpret S.L. Frank’s philosophy as a consistent way of the “ontologization” of the “consciousness and culture” antinomy. On the example of S.L. Frank’s philosophy, it is shown the possibility of “consciousness ontologi-zation,” which means the acquisition by consciousness of its true “Self” as well as the imbedding of the “consciousness and culture” antinomy in the “being and God” antinomy. According to S.L. Frank, the “ontologization of consciousness” takes place in parallel with the “ontologization of culture.” To substantiate that, S.L. Frank proves the metalogical unity of the “transcendent and immanent” antinomy. God is simultaneously transcendent and immanent to consciousness. In order to reveal Him to consciousness, it is necessary to change the object of an intentional act, directing consciousness to oneself. The means of “consciousness and culture ontologization” is the method of “antinomistic monodualism.” Consciousness, directing its gaze to itselft, meets God, and it makes “ideal being” available to oneself. In a dialogue with Him, consciousness gains its “true Self,” and the “ontologization of consciousness” evolves. “Ontologized consciousness” becomes a life force that, having realized its rootedness in being, creates culture, which is the ontologization of the visible part of being. It is concluded that, in S.L. Frank’s philosophy, consciousness is a potentiality that seeks its actualization, a form that seeks to obtain its content. The true path of its actualization and content acquisition is identical to ontologization.

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