Activity and scientific heritage of Mykhailo Maksymovych in the context of creating the worldview of the “ukrainian world” in the 19TH century

Abstract

The worldview values in the views and scientific activities of the first rector of St. Volodymyr University of Kyiv, the outstanding scientist Mykhailo Olexandrovych Maksymovych, have been studied. His life path, scientific formation, breadth of scientific interests and views are considered. The circle of Maksymovych's scientific interests were natural and cosmological studies, ethnographic studies of the Ukrainian history, ethnography and folklore, philosophical work, in which he, following Hryhoriy Skovoroda, expresses the Ukrainian "philosophy of the heart". The scientist’s interest in “Little Russian” topics caused Maksymovych’s evolution towards pro-Ukrainian views. Indicative in this context is his desire to turn Kyiv University into an oasis of the Ukrainian science and culture, where talented, highly educated personalities, in particular Mykola Hohol, would teach. Those were Maksymovych's pro-Ukrainian views that influenced his exclusion from administrative and scientific positions atKyivUniversityafter his recovery. Special attention is paid to the scientific work of the researcher in the field of ethnopsychology, peculiarities of the Ukrainian characterology, and mentality. The conclusion of the scientist regarding the “submissive spirit” of Russians and the “passion, short firmness and strength of feelings” of the Ukrainian spirit is worthy of attention. Maksymovych actively participated in a philological discussion with Mykhailo Pohodin, defending the provisions on the chronological primacy and origin of the Ukrainian language since the time of princely Ukraine-Rus’, and the independence of the Ukrainian Slavic history. Based on the conducted research, an independent scientific conclusion is offered about the mission, civic position and the role of Mykhailo Maksymovych as the first rector of St. Volodymyr University of Kyiv and the scientist in the creation of the Ukrainian idea, the worldview of the "Ukrainian world" in the 19th century.