Views of V. B. Antonovych on the processes of state formation in Ukraine

Abstract

The purpose of the study а the analysis of the life and works of a prominent Ukrainian historian and the public figure V.В.Antonovych. Basing on the published sources, the author of the article endeavors to render the scholar’s biography, overview the life conditions and peculiarities of his academic interest formation, define the intellectual circle of the historian, present his work in Ukrainian research institutions and abroad, as well as to analyze his academic achievements.. The methodology is based on the principles of historicism, systematicity and scientificity. Such methods as historical-genetic, analytical-synthetic, comparative analysis, retrospective, historical-typological, local history methods were used. Scientific novely. The article analyzes journalistic and memoir materials belonging V.В.Antonovych on the basis of methodological tools of social constructivism, generational history and collective memory. The views of scientists on the formation of statehood in Ukraine are studied, especially during the constitutional processes that were developed during the formation of an independent Ukrainian state; justification of the philosophical position of the nonviolent way of fighting for national liberation inherent in the Ukrainian political tradition. Conclusions. The influence of the idea of federalism in the scientific and political concepts of the scientist, the evolution of V.В.Antonovych views on Ukrainian-Russian relations are investigated. It is noted that many ideas and concepts of a scientist and a statesman are consonant with the present day and have not lost their relevance at the present stage of state-building. The weak and contradictory aspects of V.В.Antonovych historiographical heritage are singled out, which have not stood the test of time and cause reservations in modern geopolitical realities. In the article V. B. Antonovich views concerning the peculiarities of the Ukrainian nation from the position of state formation. His conclusions about the leading role of the nation in the society development, in establishing the Ukrainian state system are given.