PHILOSOPHICAL ORIENTATIONS OF VASYL DOVHOVYCH

Abstract

The article is dedicated to the figure of Vasyl Dovhovych (1783–1849) and his philosophical views. Despite the fact that this thinker remains little-known in Ukraine, in the early 19th century he was arguably the only Ukrainian professional philosopher who possessed a clear Ukrainian identity. Moreover, he was the only philosopher on Ukrainian lands at that time to develop his own philosophical system. His work in the field of philosophy was highly valued by Hungarian intellectuals, leading to his election as a corresponding member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.
The article explores Dovhovych's biography. It examines his studies in Khust, Sighet, Oradea, Trnava, and Uzhhorod, where he had the opportunity to master Latin and Hungarian, as well as study philosophy and theology. During his studies in Trnava, Dovhovych developed an interest in Kant's philosophy and learned German to read his works in the original. He was also well-acquainted with the philosophical views of Fichte and Schelling. Dovhovych wrote his works in Latin, Hungarian, bookish Ukrainian, and colloquial Ukrainian.
Overall, the thinker was well-versed in modern European philosophy and science. He maintained a critical stance toward the views of Spinoza and the leading French Enlightenment thinkers (Voltaire and Rousseau), leaning predominantly toward German idealistic philosophy. In the 1820s, Dovhovych published a series of philosophical works in Hungarian, presenting his own philosophical system which was rooted in German idealism but already verging on positivism. However, his duties as a Greek Catholic priest and family responsibilities prevented him from dedicating himself fully to philosophical studies.
The article draws attention to Dovhovych's Latin manuscripts, which are preserved in the Scientific Library of Uzhhorod National University. A significant portion of them addresses philosophical questions, including the exposition of Kantian philosophy, the formulation of philosophical definitions, psychology, and the philosophy of law. It also discusses the thinker's Hungarian-language articles, where he outlined his philosophical system.
Additionally, the article examines some of Dovhovych's poetic works in which he engages with philosophical themes.