VITA ANTIQUA, 11 (2019)                                                                        ISSN 2522-9419 (Online), 2519-4542 (Print)
Center for Paleoethnological Research

VITA ANTIQUA 11, 2019, Archaeology, Museum & Monument Studies: educational and research aspects
Introduction. Bifurcation point, 9-20

Shydlovskyi P.S.
Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv

DOI: 10.37098/VA-2019-11-9-20
https://doi.org/10.37098/VA-2019-11-9-20

ABSTRACT

The time of compiling this collection was marked by several significant events, which deal both global problems and, in particular, our archaeological, monument and museum studies community. More than half of humanity has found itself in voluntary or forced isolation due to the spread of the COVID-19. Nevertheless, this isolation did not cause inaction in the field of education and science in Ukraine, and, under quarantine, we face the problems of further and eternal reforming of the system of domestic science and education. Specific challenges at the global and national levels make us think about the fate and place of spheres involved in the study and preservation of human heritage. In conditions of uncertainty about the future of large communities, world and European institutions, in the general economic crisis and recession, the humanistic principles of modern civilization and specific programs related to educating people to care for the environment and the achievements of previous generations should play a particularly important role.

Significant issues arise in the field of higher education because of attempts to subordinate the educational process to the “requirements of the labor market”. This approach is reflected in the neglect of basic knowledge and “real science”, narrowing the concept of universal education to the development of a set of useful skills that are beneficial to employers in the exploitation of the future employee. This state of domestic science leads to a decrease in the social significance of the scientific worldview and distrust of society and its “elite” to the modern scientific paradigm.

The modern world is at a bifurcation point - a critical breakdown of outdated control systems that can no longer meet the needs of modern human. Clumsy bureaucracies are ineffective due to the fact that they focus most of their activities on maintaining their own existence and reproduction and, in this case, quickly lose out to civil society initiatives. One such research initiative is VITA ANTIQUA, an independent edition funded without budgetary resources. The pages of the magazine constantly raise issues of preservation of archaeological and museum heritage, reveal topical issues of monument protection.

Key words: cultural heritage, higher education, science, bureaucracy, public organizations

Language: English/Ukrainian

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Cite as:
Shydlovskyi, P.S. 2019. Introduction. Bifurcation point. VITA ANTIQUA 11. Archaeology, Museum & Monument Studies: educational and research aspects, p. 9-20.