The doctrine of the principles of theological knowledge in the fundamental theology of archbishop Nikanor (Brovkovich) (1826-1890)

The article analyzes the fundamental theological heritage of Archbishop Nikanor (Brovkovich), a teacher of fundamental theology at the St. Petersburg and Kazan Theological Academies. The author argues that the emergence of the original philosophical system of Archbishop Nikanor was the result of his search for sufficient grounds for a positive substantiation of the main religious truths - the existence of God and the immortality of the soul. It was the theological problems that were the beginning and the ultimate goal of his research activities, and philosophy was a necessary tool for solving theological questions. Therefore, the development of epistemological issues, which found their expression in the three-volume essay of Archbishop Nikanor “Positive Philosophy and Supersensible Existence”, took place along the line of the fourth section of fundamental theology “de locis theologicis” or “theological doctrine of knowledge.” The conclusion is that despite the fact that Archbishop Nikanor managed to present a clear methodological justification for the convergence of religious faith and scientific knowledge - namely, to substantiate the thesis that faith and knowledge in their last foundations and conclusions cannot contradict each other - the initial goal of justification of theistic truths set by him was never achieved.