Existential boredom as a phenomenon of human social existence
- Authors: Maltseva S.M.1,2, Ivanova P.O.1, Kashina O.P.3
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Affiliations:
- Kozma Minin Nizhny Novgorod State Pedagogical University
- Nizhny Novgorod Institute of Railway Engineering - branch of the Volga Region State University of Railway Engineering
- Lobachevsky National Research Nizhny Novgorod State University
- Issue: Vol 17, No 2 (2025)
- Pages: 263-274
- Section: Philosophical Studies
- Published: 30.06.2025
- URL: https://ogarev-online.ru/2077-1770/article/view/305567
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.12731/2077-1770-2025-17-2-511
- EDN: https://elibrary.ru/JVIKRU
- ID: 305567
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Abstract
Background. Until now, science lacks a holistic philosophical understanding of the phenomenon of existential boredom and has not developed an attitude towards it, although it is recognized in the scientific community. The problem is that in today's rapidly changing and constantly evolving world, people are losing their spiritual and moral bearings, suffering from boredom. This article allows us to consider existential boredom as its variety from various points of view.
The purpose of the work is to study the phenomenon of existential boredom in the context of human social existence.
Methodology. The authors rely on such famous philosophers as A. Schopenhauer, M. Heidegger, and modern researchers (E. Makagon, L. Svendsen). The research was conducted using methods of systematic, logical, comparative and historical analysis and synthesis. As well as bibliographic analysis, description and comparison.
Results. Comparing and analyzing different points of view on this problem, the authors conclude that existential boredom is a part of human existence and society. Existential reflections can become a "cure" for boredom: in this state, a person is able to realize the meaning of our being and time. This work allows us to conclude that existential boredom is a sign of a developed society, and not everyone is capable of searching for existential meaning. Therefore, existential boredom is not an absolutely negative phenomenon for a person and society.
Keywords
About the authors
Svetlana M. Maltseva
Kozma Minin Nizhny Novgorod State Pedagogical University; Nizhny Novgorod Institute of Railway Engineering - branch of the Volga Region State University of Railway Engineering
Author for correspondence.
Email: maltsewasvetlana@yandex.ru
Candidate of Philosophical Sciences, Associate Professor, Associate Professor of the Department of Philosophy and Theology; Associate Professor of the Department of General and Professional Disciplines
Russian Federation, 1, Ulyanov Str., Nizhniy Novgorod, 603950, Russian Federation; 3, Komsomolskaya Sq., Nizhny Novgorod, 603011, Russian Federation
Polina O. Ivanova
Kozma Minin Nizhny Novgorod State Pedagogical University
Email: ivanovapo937@gmail.com
student
Russian Federation, 1, Ulyanov St., Nizhniy Novgorod, 603950, Russian Federation
Olga P. Kashina
Lobachevsky National Research Nizhny Novgorod State University
Email: olga.kashina@iee.unn.ru
Candidate of Philosophical Sciences, Associate Professor, Associate Professor of the Department of Culture and Psychology of Entrepreneurship
Russian Federation, 23, Gagarin Ave., Nizhny Novgorod, 603000, Russian Federation
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