“A Propagandist, an Agitator, and Even an Advertiser of Psychology and Philosophy”: Pavel Popov about Georgy Ivanovich Chelpanov (Preface to the Publication of the Chapter “Chelpanov” from the Memories of P.S. Popov)

Abstract

The article updates the memoirs of the famous philosopher, logician, theorist of literature, translator Pavel Sergeevich Popov (1892–1964), dedicated to the pion­eer of philosophical and psychological thought and the founder of a full-fledged Russian psychological school in the first half of the 20th century, Georgy Ivan­ovich Chelpanov (1862–1936). The article precedes the publication of Chapter V “G.I. Chelpanov” of P.S. Popov’s memoirs “Images of the past. Memories from university, gymnasium, and childhood years”. P.S. Popov’s text allows you to re-look at G.I. Chelpanov as a person and philosopher, not only to appreciate his personal qualities as “a propagandist, an agitator, and even an advertiser” of ex­perimental psychology but also to update his philosophical ideas. The author proves that the value of P.S. Popov’s archival materials lies in the discovery of additional research perspectives for understanding both the published heritage of G.I. Chelpanov and the entire historical, cultural, and intellectual context of philosophical discussions of the first half of the 20th century. According to the author, domestic intellectual culture’s experience shows the productivity of the reception of ideas only in connection with the specific contexts of their creation and the fate of their creator. Therefore, understanding the inextricable link between personality and thought is essential for actualizing the philosoph­ical and humanitarian heritage.