Symbol, myth, and personality: a personalistic dominant of A.F. Losev's philosophy

The article interprets the analysis of the symbol phenomenon by A.F. Losev. The complete identity of the symbol’s figurative and ideological components stated in its basic definition is revealed while comparing it with two other categories of signs: the scheme and the allegory. A.F. Losev’s two-level distinction between the internal and external plans of reality in the phenomenon of expressive, when the external and internal plans are different in the phenomena of “internal” and “external” as well, is considered as a “phenomenological key” to understanding the symbol. A symbol, perceived as the ultimate expression of the ideological and figurative wealth of a thing, is thereby affirmed as a sign that expresses the most valuable feature for a person and is addressed to the personality as such. In addition, the myth-fertile potential of the symbol justified by Losev is regarded as its exceptional personalistic function. The constructive, phenomenological significance of the concept of “miracle” is substantiated. According to this concept, A.F. Losev fixes the primary position of the figurative and expressive means that allow the personality to denote its fundamental life intuitions. This characterizes the philosophy of A.F. Losev as a variety of personalism.