Zhovtianska V. The psychology of reality representations

The dissertation offers a scientific theory that provides a systematic interpretation of the processes of formation, functioning and development of representations, taking into account a mode of relationship of an individual with reality. The central concept of the theory is the concept of sense, which is defined as a search intuitive hypothesis, which is based on an individual's experience, actualized through associative connections, and contains an attitude to the object. It is shown that the nature of the development of sense in different modes of the individual's relationship with reality and different ways of symbolic mediation determines the psychological mechanisms that underlie the formation, functioning and development of representations. The proposed theory is used to explain a wide range of issues. First of all, this applies to phenomena whose nature relates to the classical problems of humanities knowledge. It's a game, a metaphor, a myth, funny. Particular attention is paid to the processes of historical development of representations of reality. The author's view on the primary role of cognitive factors in the processes of formation and development of Christian civilization is substantiated. The mechanisms of semantic deformations in religious and ideological teachings are considered. In addition, a psychological interpretation of a number of phenomena inherent in modern socio-cultural space is proposed. These are abstract art, advertising and political technologies, post-truth politics, conspiracy theories, fashion. Key words: representation, sense, reflection, play, art, metaphor, myth, funny, social norms, ideology, psychology of history, advertising, PR, fashion.