Life as a Search. In Memory of Alexander Leonidovich Nikiforov (1940–2023)

The article provides an overview of the creative heritage of Alexander Leonidovich Nikiforov, an attempt is made to comprehend it in an integral way. The main purpose of the author of this article is the exposition of the philosopher’s views on key theoretical issues. Each section of the article is based on the reference material, which, in the author’s opinion, most successfully demonstrates the position of A.L. Nikiforov on indicated issues. In particular, his views on the nature of philosophical knowledge and the problem of the relationship between philosophy and science are presented. His criticism of the traditional semantic theory that defines the meaning of a word through a single referent in the physical world is analyzed, as well as his proposed concept of a proper name as a common sign carrying informative and communicative functions: the sign is a complex structure consisting of physical, cultural and personal layers. A.L. Nikiforov’s ideas about the historical development of science and, in general, about the future development of mankind are revealed. His political reflections are outlined as well – his critics of liberal ideology for the reduction of human needs and an abstract idea of the individual. Nikiforov pays special attention to the importance of preserving historical memory and the need to counter destructive trends in this area. Special attention is paid to his point of view on the methodology of the humanities, which by their very nature are characterized by an orientation towards secondary interpretation and subjectivity. His criticism of the L. Wittgenstein’s “Logical and Philosophical Treatise” and reflections on the problem of the meaning of life, which he sees in the creative self-realization of a person, are outlined as well.