CURRENT UKRAINIAN THOUGHT

Overview

This course examines the theories of Ukrainian thinkers of the last thirty years. It begins with a discussion of the characteristic features of philosophy in Ukraine, its history, and specific challenges Ukrainian thinkers have faced in the 21st century. Then the course addresses Ukrainian theoreticians’ ideas on such topics as the philosophical problems of war, European values, civil society, challenges to freedom and democracy in the 21st century, what it means to be a nation, and the role of philosophy in society. In the framework of the course, the thoughts of  Y. Bystrytsky, V. Kebuladze, S. Krymsky, T. Liutyi, M. Minakov, O. Panych, M. Popovych, A. Yermolenko, O. Zabuzhko, etc. will be analysed.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the module, students should be able to:

Characterise major features and limitations of current Ukrainian thought.

Identify the main topics of interest in current Ukrainian thought and explain the reasons for that.

Elaborate on the issue of similarities and differences between current Ukrainian and Western European thought as a philosophical and scholarly problem.

Appreciate the philosophical achievements of Ukrainian thinkers, focusing on the philosophical problems of war.

Distinguish between different positions of Ukrainian philosophers on the idea of a nation.

Discuss the theories of Ukrainian thinkers on European values, postcolonial challenges, and the problems of freedom and democracy in the 21st century.

Explain the ideas of Ukrainian philosophers on the role of intellectuals in society.

Structure of the Course

1. Lecture:

Introduction: What is current Ukrainian thought?

2. Lecture:

The history of Ukraine and its philosophy before the 20th century.

3. Lecture:

The history of Ukraine and its philosophy in the 20th and 21st centuries.

4. Lecture:

Ukrainian thinkers on the philosophical problems of war.

Video to the lecture:

Current Ukrainian Thought: We Have the Right to Exist

5. Lecture:

Analysis of one of the texts of Ukrainian thinkers on the current war.

Video to the lecture:

Current Ukrainian Thought: It Is a War of Values

6. Lecture:

Ukrainian answers to the question: What does it mean to be a nation?

Video to the lecture:

Current Ukrainian Thought: We Are the Ukrainian Nation

7. Lecture:

Analysis of one of the texts of Ukrainian thinkers on the idea of a nation.

Video to the lecture:

Current Ukrainian Thought: We Have Dignity

8. Lecture:

Ukrainian thinkers on society from a postcolonial theoretical perspective.

Video to the lecture:

Current Ukrainian Thought: We Are Overcoming the Trauma

9. Lecture:

Analysis of one of the texts of Ukrainian thinkers on postcolonial challenges to Ukraine.

10. Lecture:

Ukrainian thinkers on the politics of memory.

Video to the lecture:

Unveiling Ukrainian Historical Memory: Insights from Contemporary Thinkers

11. Lecture:

Analysis of one of the texts of Ukrainian thinkers on the politics of memory.

12. Lecture:

Ukrainian philosophers on the role of religion in society.

13. Lecture:

Analysis of one of the texts of Ukrainian thinkers on the role of religion in society.

14. Lecture:

European values: the view of Ukrainian philosophy.

15. Lecture:

Analysis of one of the texts of Ukrainian thinkers on European values.

16. Lecture:

Ukrainian thinkers on the challenges to freedom and democracy in the 21st century.

17. Lecture:

Analysis of one of the texts of Ukrainian thinkers on democracy issues.

18. Lecture:

The Ukrainian point of view on the tasks and possibilities of civil society.

Video to the lecture:

Current Ukrainian Thought: The War Consolidated Us

19. Lecture:

Analysis of one of the texts of Ukrainian thinkers on civil society.

20. Lecture:

Ukrainian philosophers on the role of philosophy and intellectuals in society.

21. Lecture:

Analysis of one of the texts of Ukrainian thinkers on the role of philosophy in society.

22. Lecture:

The processes of modernisation and de-modernisation in a contemporary society.

23. Lecture:

Analysis of one of the texts of Ukrainian thinkers on the processes of modernisation and de-modernisation in a contemporary society.

24. Lecture:

Summarising the materials of the module.

Assessment

Continuous Assessment Details: (1) first essay assignment (ca. 2,000 words) (40%); (3) second essay assignment (ca. 3,000 words) (60%).

Student Testimonials

Sean Martin Ó Fallúin

David Swan