Abstract: The article is devoted to the present condition, prospects and problem situations with regard to philosophical, social and humanitarian aspects of scientific research of cosmos and cosmic studies (cosmonautics). In his article Mapelman analyzes how the concept of cosmos and cosmonautics have been developing within the framework of history of science and history of philosophy. Mapelman also shares evaluations of contemporary researches of philosophical issues of cosmos and cosmonautics. The author provides a description of the philosophical issues of cosmonautics that are being solved witin the framework of the Readings devoted to the scientific heritage and development of Konstantin Tsiolkovsky's ideas. To achieve the research objectives, Mapelman uses the methods of systematization, critical analysis, comparison, text reconstruction, historical explanation, etc. The author outlines the following philosophical issues that were first discovered during the Readings: whether 'cosmic philosophy' can be actually developed; Russian cosmism, branches and philosophers; improvement of the contemporary picture of the world taking into account the cosmic scale of such improvement; anthropic principle, the place and role of the principle in cosmic philosophy; global issues of the humankind in terms of the cosmic perspective of social development; cosmic civilization, features and possibilities for existence; the problem of immortality, life and death in the Universe; cosmic ethics and moral principles of cosmonautics; axiological aspect of cosmic activity and transformations; the need to explore the cosmic space; influence of the political, military, social, economic and ideological factors on the development of national cosmic programs; research of social and philosophical issues of extra-terrestrial civilizations and the future of our own civilization. 

Abstract: The article is devoted to the causes of potentially dangerous and conflict situations provoked by teaching the class 'The Basics of Religious Cultures and Social Ethics' (or 'Spiritual and Moral Culture of Russia's Peoples') at schools. The author also analyzes the reasons, purposes and consequences of creating theological departments at universities as well as studies the situations related to constitutional rights of adults and children affected by these innovations at schools and universities. The author also draws our attenion to research requirements for social experiments in education and makes evaluation of the Order of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation to teach 'The Basics of Religious Cultures and Social Ethics' at schools and the associated article of the Law on Education in the Russian Federation devoted to teaching religion and culture of Russia's peoples.