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Document Details : Title: Sophia and the Longing for Unity Subtitle: A Pervasive Tension in Vladimir Solov'ëv's Work Author(s): DE COURTEN, Manon Journal: Journal of Eastern Christian Studies Volume: 59 Issue: 3-4 Date: 2007 Pages: 245-260 DOI: 10.2143/JECS.59.3.2030871 Abstract : This article examines the consistence of Vladimir Solov’ëv’s conception of Sophia with his views on praxis or practical activity, and in particular his own commitment to Russian social and political issues through his publicist writings. Exploring a tension inherent to the role of Sophia in his thought, I try to show that, as a key-actor in the cosmic process and as a concept that Solov’ëv developed after experiencing mystical visions, Sophia plays a dual role in his response to burning issues. On the one hand, she provides with tools enabling the philosopher to think through differentiation in society. On the other hand, she embodies the forceful ideal of all-unity, in which, despite the respect for the differences it conveys, the emphasis rather lies on social hierarchy and religious homogeneity. The tension between the advocacy of unity and the apology of plurality in social life will be illustrated by examining three sources, and by relating them to each another: first of all, Solov’ëv’s early sophiology and theoretical assumptions concerning unity and plurality; secondly, his definitions of Sophia in his cosmology; and, thirdly, his publicistika writings on three dramatic social conflicts in his time, namely the persecution of the Jews and the Old Believers, and the famine of 1891-1892. |