Professor of Philosophy Sergii Rudenko, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, will lecture on the basic components of modern Ukrainian cultural identity.
He will also address how the Russian military invasion of Ukraine has affected national consciousness and identity.
To conclude, he will demonstrate how modern Ukrainian identity is a product of its complex history, resilience and adaptability.
This lecture reveals the most fundamental components of modern Ukrainian cultural identity and the peculiarities of its functioning in Ukraine's current social and cultural practices. Ukrainian national finds its historical roots in the 19th century. However, it is critical to distinguish the components, structure and mechanisms of modern Ukrainian identity compared to its historical types and forms, which are no longer dominant in modern Ukrainian society. This examination not only sheds light on the roots and evolution of Ukrainian identity but also underscores its relevance in the contemporary socio-political landscape, especially in the wake of Ukraine's recent geopolitical challenges.
The lecture opens with a poignant context of the full-scale Russian military invasion of Ukraine, which has dramatically influenced the national consciousness and identity. It articulates how this unforeseen aggression was met with robust resilience and unity by the Ukrainian people, effectively thwarting the adversary's expectations. This unified and determined spirit have catalysed a renewed interest in the discourse surrounding Ukrainian identity. The assertive response from Ukrainians, both on the battlefield and in the informational sphere, underscores a collective identity that is characterized by courage, a deep-rooted sense of community, and an unwavering resolve to maintain sovereignty and cultural integrity.Identity is presented as a multi-faceted and complex phenomenon, intersecting various domains such as philosophy, sociology, culture, and politics. Identity is defined as the recognition and understanding of oneself in relation to 'the Other.' This duality helps individuals and groups delineate their unique characteristics from others. In the cultural context, identity encompasses aspects such as self-identification, knowledge of one's own cultural traditions, customs, values, and a profound sense of belonging to that culture. This section of the lecture highlights that cultural identity is not static but evolves with shared historical experiences and the collective vision for the future.
The interdisciplinary approach to understanding identity also suggests that our actions, influenced by our traditions, customs, and values, are a reflection of our deeper cultural identity. This approach points to the everyday expressions of identity through lived experiences and interactions within the community.
Based on real-life examples, the lecture then presents a brief analysis of the main historical projects of national identity that were put into practice in the 19th and 20th during the periods of National revival and Soviet occupation. It introduces the concepts of “populism” and “anti-populism”, which refer to historical types of Ukrainian identity and explain the phenomenon of “postponed modern” that results in the development of modern Ukrainian national identity.
Skovoroda's philosophy is highlighted as a cornerstone of Ukrainian cultural thought. His pursuit of a genuine sense of Christianity, based on philosophical scepticism towards the established doctrines of his time, introduces a mystical and anthropological dimension to Ukrainian identity. His teachings suggest a harmonious relationship between man and the divine, accessible through introspection and self-awareness.
Populism as a cultural movement, with figures like Panteleimon Kulish, emphasized the preservation of rural and ethnic culture as the essence of Ukrainian national identity. Kulish’s works are dissected to understand how populism celebrated folk traditions, language, and everyday practices of the rural populace as foundational elements of Ukrainian identity.
Contrasting with populism, the anti-populist perspective, advocated by intellectuals like Ivan Franko, argued for a supra-ethnic or meta-national approach to identity. This school of thought posited that the development of a national culture should transcend ethnic boundaries and be spearheaded by a national elite who cultivate intellectual and cultural advancements.
Further, the essential ideas and cultural mechanisms of modern Ukrainian identity are explained by analysing master narratives of Ukrainian national culture, attitude to history and traditional culture, and leaving behind post-colonial (post-soviet) practices. The discussion transitions to the modern context, where Ukrainian identity is influenced by early 20th-century modernist movements. This period, termed as "Postponed Modern," was marked by a critical re-evaluation of the 19th-century cultural paradigms. Figures like Vyacheslav Lypynskyi advocated for a reformation of national identity that embraced modernity and innovation while respecting the inherent spirit of the Ukrainian community. However, this Ukrainian modernism development was brutally suppressed during the Stalinist purges, which decimated a generation of intellectuals in what came to be known as the "Executed Renaissance."
The concluding part of the lecture reflects on how modern Ukrainian identity is a product of its complex history, infused with resilience and adaptability. While historical experiences continue to be revered, there is a visible shift towards embracing contemporary values that prioritise the present and future over the past. This transformation is evident in how traditional elements are now perceived as symbolic decorations rather than functional aspects of everyday life.
