Theory of setting by D.N. Uznadze and experiments of existential objectification in the works of F.M. Dostoevsky

The analysis of Dostoevsky's mental experiment in “The Meek One” highlights three existential functions of reflexion: the construction of a comforting illusion, the flight from reality, and the search for an authentic reality. The third function is suggested to be called existential objectification. The assertion of reflexion as a way to resolve fundamental issues of meaningful questions (as a way to meet the existential demands of the individual) is proposed to be substantiated in the context of the main principles of cognitive psychology and cognitive therapy. D.N. Uznadze's theory of setting was investigated as a basic approach to understanding the phenomenon of objectification. In combination with W. Frankl's methodology of existential analysis and R. Leahy's method of emotional schema therapy, the correctly interpreted ability to objectify can be seen as a cognitive basis for the development of a life-affirming personal strategy and an appropriate worldview. Obvious historical and philosophical inconsistency of terminological construction of “existential objectification”, associated with the harsh criticism by representatives of existential philosophy of objectification as a form of intellectual activity, is believed to be essentially resolvable. In particular, the possibility of explicating the positive existential meaning of the phenomenon of objectification from the content of mental experiments to solve the meaningful tasks posed and described in the works of F.M. Dostoevsky is argued.