Philotheus of Pskov and Ivan Vyshensky: Comparative analysis of state-legal views in the context of the development debate of the josephites and non-possessors

Purpose. The purpous of the article is to study and compare certain aspects of political and legal thought of such major religious philosophers as the Philotheus of Pskov and non-possessor Ivan Vishensky taking into account certain aspects of their biographies, as well as consider the views of philosophers on the nature of state power, the institution of social equality, the implementation of social protection, and also an offense and legal liability. Methodology. The methodological basis of the work was constituted by such general philosophical methods as dialectical, logical, analysis and synthesis. General scientific methods (e.g., systemic, retrospective), as well as specially scientific methods (formal legal, comparative, problem-chronological, etc.) were used in the study. The principles of historicism, objectivity, interconnection and interdependence of state-legal phenomena, etc. were also used in the work. Conclusions. The work concluded that the outstanding Orthodox thinkers and ascetics Philotheus of Pskov and Ivan Vishensky, disagreeing on a number of issues, were mostly unanimous: both of them came to the conclusion that justice, humanity and law obedience should be prevailed in Russia. The most important condition for the restoration of justice on Earth is the equality of all people, as well as the purity of the Orthodoxy. Practical significance. The study and comparison of the political and legal ideas of Philotheus of Pskov and Ivan Vishensky is of great practical importance in relation to the processes of modern domestic state building and lawmaking. Certain aspects of this problem can also be taken into account in the issues of the peaceful settlement of relations between contemporary Russia and Ukraine, as well as to achieve unity of the Slavic peoples in the face of external challenges and dangers.

Philotheus of Pskov, Ivan Vishensky, “Moscow is the Third Rome”, Hesychasm, Josephites, non-possessors, sin, offense, misdemeanor, equality