Metaphysics under the Blows of Positivist Criticism: Etienne Vacherot’s “New Spiritualism”

The article analyzes the doctrine of a prominent representative of the spiritualist tradition of the Modern period. The peculiarity and significance of Etienne Vacherot’s doctrines in the history of philosophy are determined primarily by the fact that his project was put forward as a response to positivist criticism, as an attempt to remove metaphysics from under the threat of a destructive blow. His desire to bring metaphysics as close as possible to the latest scientific achievements resulted in proposing the concept of an impersonal Deity, the ideal of pure thought, incompatible with the doctrine of creationism. Vacherot’s most significant achievements were in the field of the history of philosophy, where he sought to combine the accuracy of hermeneutical analysis with the theory of progress. In the political sphere, he proclaimed the inevitability of the fall of aristocratic and monarchical regimes, pinning his hopes on the triumph of the idea of equality and the rule of law. Uncompromising in defending his political ideals, Vacherot ended up in prison in the times of the Second Empire; after the collapse of the regime, he had an opportunity to engage in legislative activity. He ultimately did not succeed in reconciling philosophical systems and creating a metaphysical synthesis that would determine the worldview of the future. However, some of his ideas and achievements are worthy of attention even today, as they can serve as a worldview guide in research of various kinds.