Teaching Philosophy at Kharkiv University in the 19th — Early 20th Century (according to students’ recollections)

Abstract

The article highlights the peculiarities of teaching philosophy at Kharkiv University in the 19th and early 20th according to students’ recollections. Gaining this historical experience will contribute to solving the urgent problems of optimising humanities courses in higher education today. It is found out that Kharkiv University became the centre of development of philosophical science in Ukraine. Through the efforts of public figures, it was possible to invite Johann Schad, a graduate of the German school, to become a professor of the newly created Department of Speculative and Practical Philosophy. His efforts to develop the department and the progressive views of the academic staff alarmed the authorities resulting in the formation of a faculty subservient to the regime, decrease in the level of teaching of philosophical disciplines, and subsequently, the dissolution of the Department of Philosophy. The main emphasis in the professional training of students is placed on historical disciplines, primarily the study of Russian history. It was only in the 1870s that Kharkiv University was able to provide its students with a proper philosophical education. The analysis of students’ recollections of the institution shows the popularity of philosophy courses and the respect of students for the teaching staff. At the beginning of the twentieth century, with the permission of the government, student clubs were established. Unfortunately, the level of popularity of philosophical circles was low due to the chauvinistic views of their leaders. Nevertheless, it was found that thanks to the efforts of the academic staff of Kharkiv University, Ukrainian philosophical thought is being formed and popularised abroad.