Shipovskaya, L.P., Gemonov, A.V. Philosophical interpretation of the heraldic symbols of Russia t the period of the Time of Troubles (1598 – 1613)

Abstract: The article contains an attempt of philosophical analysis of heraldic symbols of Russia at the Time of Troubles. The main method of philosophical interpretation of heraldic symbols of the above-mentioned period in the history of our state is a semiotic approach, since it allows for discovery and analysis of the balance between signs and symbols of social reality involving various forms of joint activities of individuals. It is noted in the article that the Time of Troubles is a special period in the development of the Russian society, and it is characterized with the loss of social solidarity, disintegration, destabilization of the social system. In the article the authors state that being a sign and symbolic aspect of social life at the verge of XVI-XVII centuries, the heraldic images refl ect both the experience of historical development of Russia and the urge of the rulers of the Time of Troubles to hold on to the power and to form the feeling of national closeness and unity. The article includes semiotic analysis of the symbols of eagle, horse and rider. Having performed a standard semiotic analysis based upon the position of a number of authoritative philosophers, the authors point out the importance of social solidarity as a principle of social life and a condition for the normal development of the society, making a conclusion on the crisis character of the Time of Troubles, which is refl ected in the heraldic symbols of this period of time, defi ning the passive and active meaning and the referent element based upon the methodological scheme of Umberto Eco) and this method is complemented with the use of archetypal theory of Jung, as well as dialectics, being an universal method of philosophical cognition.

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