Ethical Rationalism and “Duality” in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Novels “Crime and Punishment” and “Demons”

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This work was carried out with financial support from the Foundation for Cultural Heritage, project no. 25-2-009232 “The Dominance of the Soul, or the Art of Being Human (F. M. Dostoevsky and A. A. Ukhtomsky on Traditional Values)”
For citation:
Fedorova, E. A., and D. A. Solovyova. “Ethical Rationalism and ʽDuality’ in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Novels ʽCrime and Punishment’ and ʽDemons’.” Dva veka russkoi klassiki, vol. 8, no. 3, 2026, pp. 88–107. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.22455/2686-7494-2026-8-3-88-107
Abstract:
This article examines the ethical rationalism of the characters in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novels “Crime and Punishment” and “Demons.” This rationalism prevents them from living a life of the heart and awakens the Double, which, according to the ethical teachings of A. A. Ukhtomsky, is a negative projection of the subject onto others. The Double manifests itself in Dostoevsky’s characters not only through vanity and self- love, but also through a fear of life. Raskolnikov’s theory and Shigalev’s “earthly paradise” share a common arithmetic principle: the sacrifice of “material” for the sake of the future of the “chosen” people. Raskolnikov’s experiment can be compared to the murder of Shatov by “our people.” Dostoevsky demonstrates that overcoming the Double is possible only through discovering the “face” of the Other and through faith in the Other and in God. Sonya Marmeladova, through her love, awakens in Raskolnikov a desire for a new life and faith. Shatov’s love for his returned wife and the miracle of the birth of his child help him finally believe in higher powers.
Keywords: F. M. Dostoevsky, novels, rationalism, “Crime and Punishment,” “Demons,” The Double, The Interlocutor, A. A. Ukhtomsky
Author: Elena A. Fedorova
Information about the author:
Elena A. Fedorova, DSc in Philology, Associate Professor, Professor, Department of Theory and Practice of Communication, P. G. Demidov Yaroslavl State University, Sovetskaya St., 14, 150003 Yaroslavl, Russia.

ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7756-2499

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Author 2: Daria A. Solovyova
Information about the author 2:
Daria A. Solovyova, Postgraduate Student, P. G. Demidov Yaroslavl State University, Sovetskaya St., 14, 150003 Yaroslavl, Russia.

ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4214-1764

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Received: January 20, 2026
Approved after reviewing: March 23, 2026
Published: September 25, 2026
Issue: 2026 Volume 8 No. 3
Department: Russian Literature of the 18th–19th Centuries
Pages: 88-107
DOI: Visit Website
EDN:
https://elibrary.ru/LTCKUQ
UDK: 821.161.1.09"19"
Publication Type: Research Article

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