Abstract
<jats:p>The purpose of the research is to analyze the concept of universality in the philosophy of all-unity of V. S. Solovyov as a theoretical prerequisite for the formation of ideas of holism. The methodological basis of the research is formed by the main principles of the activity approach to culture. The theoretical and conceptual basis was two meanings of the category of «universal»: as abstract-identical, leveling and as universal, the law of existence of an integral system. A complex of philosophical and logical-epistemological methods and procedures was used: comparative, system-functional, synergetic and holistic, coincidence of the historical and logical. Research results. It is noted that Solovyov’s approach is very close to Western holistic ideas. In his opinion, the concept of unity becomes clear only when using holistic thinking, which allows you to look at an object from all sides and in its entirety. At the same time, the idea of multiplicity is not ignored, but is naturally included in the integrity, coupled with it. In the context of the problem of the correlation of the unique and universal, the author presents the thesis that the Russian pre-revolutionary metaphysics of unity gave a significant impetus to the formation of holistic attitudes of the XX–XXI centuries. The research prospects suggest opportunities for further consideration of the diversity of forms and aspects of the dilemma of «uniqueness versus universality» in the spiritual culture of the twentieth century.</jats:p>