Ethical and educational ideals in Max Schelers philosophical sociology of knowledge

The paper analyzes M. Scheler᾿s doctrine of three types of knowledge - positive, aimed at achieving pragmatic goals; essential, educational, aimed at personal development; and metaphysical, salvific, striving to comprehend the highest basis of being. It is substantiated that the ideals of these types of knowledge are a scientist, a sage, a saint. The scientist’s goal is to obtain natural science and social and humanitarian knowledge for the use of things and domination over people. The sage’s goal is to comprehend the essential structure of the universe. He transforms essential knowledge into educational knowledge, thereby creating the basis for personality formation. The saint’s goal is to obtain metaphysical knowledge about the Absolute, which becomes saving knowledge. It is emphasized that in the historical perspective M. Scheler puts forward the educational ideal of the “whole human” as a free all-round self-formation of the individual. The philosopher connects the achievement of the “whole human” ideal in modern history with the processes of “equalization” of all physical, mental and spiritual characteristics inherent in individuals and groups; national, ethnic and racial differences; male and female types of thinking; mentality, cultural characteristics of peoples, countries and continents; characteristic features of capitalism and socialism, etc.