Two plans of philosophical work: studying the phenomenon and designing its new state

The article analyzes and compares research in science and philosophy. It immediately questions the reduction of philosophy to science and the existence of scientific research in philosophy. The features of scientific research are outlined: studying real phenomena, solving problems faced by the scientist, constructing ideal objects, and theoretical discourse. Based on the analysis of five cases of philosophical work (Plato, Aristotle, St. Augustine, Kant, E. Swedenborg), the following characteristics of philosophical work are identified. First, one can distinguish two plans – the formulation and resolution of problems, as well as a unique type of cognition (here, reality is contemplated that does not yet exist in actuality; it is conceived). This refers, on the one hand, to the current problems of a certain culture, and on the other – to the philosopher's problems, who considers these issues as their own. The second feature is that the philosopher, in resolving the problems before them, creates schemes in which solutions to these problems are outlined and constructs ideal objects based on these schemes. The latter allow for the unfolding of theoretical discourse, within which problems are obtained and presented. A necessary condition for this activity is the assignment of reality, interpreted as objects and facts. The objects of philosophical work, unlike the objects of scientific research (natural phenomena – movements of bodies, electromagnetic phenomena, works of art, actions of people, etc.), are not given beforehand; they still need to be formed in the process of philosophical thinking. In both cases, the author suggests distinguishing between the objects of nature or manifestations of objects formed by the philosopher (for example, spirit, reason, action) and the same objects and manifestations when they are viewed (corrected) through the lens of corresponding ideal objects. In his opinion, it is this distinction that Kant grasped when introducing the opposition of “things-in-themselves” and phenomena. In conclusion, it is asserted that after Kant, the conditionality of philosophical work is gradually recognized, on one hand, by the situations and problems of culture, and on the other, by the personal qualities of the philosopher, as well as a unique type of cognition. This inevitably led to a reconsideration of philosophy in the direction of cultural, personalistic, and methodological understanding and interpretation.