THE PROBLEM OF MODERN PHILOSOPHICAL SELF-HELP

Abstract

The article considers the problem of philosophical self-help. This problem is relevant due to the fact that this literary genre is currently gaining popularity. The academic philosophical community is concerned about the discrediting of philosophy as a field of knowledge by this genre, since this has already happened with management and psychology. By philosophical self-help we mean a symbiosis of self-help practices and psychology; a literary genre in which, relying on philosophical theories, concepts and categories and using their life experience, the author gives advice to the reader on how to solve pressing problems, cope with life’s difficulties. Philosophical self-help has its advantages and disadvantages. Among its disadvantages, we highlight and describe superficiality, populism, toxic positivity and escapism. As advantages, we name and characterize the clarity of presentation, accessibility and therapeutic nature. We also separately highlight the personal nature of this genre as such, without attributing this feature to its advantages or disadvantages. Speaking about the therapeutic nature of self-help, we note that this is the main feature of this kind of literature and with its help the consoling function of philosophy in modern society is realized, which is very important, because in this way philosophy can compete in the fight for minds with scientific and religious forms of knowledge of the world. Speaking about the therapeutic effect of philosophical self-help, we note that it is realized not only by the reader, but also by the author himself in the process of working on the work. We provide examples and quotes from the specified source base of the study, confirming this thesis. In conclusion, we conclude that philosophical self-help is a good starting base for an unprepared reader to begin studying philosophy and express confidence that, having started with philosophical self-help, he will then move on to more serious philosophical literature.