IDEAS. PHILOSOPHICAL JOURNAL. SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC ISSUES

Professor Volodymyr Smolanka. To the Glory of Transcarpathia, Ukraine, and the World! Happy 65th birthday

Від редакції From the editorial team — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0300

Regional Identity of Ukrainians as a Resource for Positive Communication

Serhii Holotin — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0300

This article addresses the importance of understanding regional particularities, knowledge of which facilitates communication among representatives of different regions of Ukraine. The main factors contributing to the formation of these peculiarities are outlined, and their role in shaping individual personality and inner world is examined. Particular attention is paid to the historical, political, economic, and other determinants that have led to regional differences. The study emphasizes that neglecting or disregarding these features – their origins and underlying sources – may lead to misunderstandings and conflicts in practical interactions. Such neglect can contribute to social fragmentation, exacerbate existing problems, and hinder constructive dialogue within Ukrainian society. At the same time, regional particularities are not viewed as insurmountable obstacles or detrimental factors in the development of the Ukrainian nation. On the contrary, awareness of these features, their consideration in communication, and respect for interlocutors are presented as essential conditions for overcoming alienation and fostering mutual understanding.

Human Freedom and Freedom of Choice in Kurt Frank Reinhardt’s Existential-Theological Realism

Serhii Shevchenko — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0300

This article offers the first analysis in Ukrainian historical-philosophical discourse of the ideas of Kurt Frank Reinhardt, highlighting the specific reception and transformation of classical existentialist concepts within American philosophical culture. Reinhardt’s “existential anthropology” and “existential-theological realism” are interpreted as manifestations of post-existentialist thought – a cultural synthesis characterized by methodological eclecticism and an attempt to further develop existentialist principles through a new philosophical concept of the human being. In this framework, the notion of freedom emerges as a central category, particularly in relation to the dichotomy between human freedom and freedom of choice. The study demonstrates that Reinhardt draws upon the Aristotelian-Thomistic tradition, which offers a rationalistic understanding of freedom within the “man–world–God” relationship, while simultaneously engaging with and developing the irrationalist perspectives of classical existentialism. This synthesis enables Reinhardt to address the interrelation between freedom and the crisis of human existence in the modern age through a reinterpretation of Christianity as a “unique spiritual force” capable of restoring the integrity of the weakened self. In Reinhardt’s view, the human being is ontologically and metaphysically dependent, yet psychologically and morally free. He argues that without God’s eternal and all-pervading guidance, neither human existence nor freedom would be possible. Within his existential anthropology, reason and will provide the foundation for interpreting freedom. At the same time, modern civilization is seen as being under serious threat, as enduring values and moral truths increasingly diverge from material reality, which, deprived of rational guidance, becomes subject to chance and instinctual drives. Reinhardt ultimately emphasizes that this condition leads to a loss of awareness of the existential purpose of human existence. His ideas thus represent an eclectic synthesis of Thomistic rationalism and existentialist thought, confirming the development of post-existentialist philosophy.

The Ethical and the Moral in the Teaching of Friedrich Nietzsche (part one)

Vitaliy Zhadko — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0300

At the beginning of the twenty-first century, humanity faces serious challenges that threaten its very existence. Among these is the intensification of geopolitical tensions between powerful states with fundamentally opposing systems of governance. On the one hand, there are established democracies characterized by advanced scientific achievements and technological development; on the other, states that have access to such achievements but are governed by rigidly authoritarian regimes. These opposing models are grounded in distinct philosophical, religious, political, and legal traditions, which have shaped enduring patterns of behavior that are difficult, if not impossible, to overcome. In such conditions, especially during periods of crisis, relations between states tend to be governed not by the rule of international law but by the law of force. This tendency is particularly dangerous, as it increases the likelihood that military power—rather than rational argument – will determine outcomes, posing a threat not only to humanity but also to the natural environment. Against this background, the philosophical reflections of Friedrich Nietzsche on the Übermensch (Superhuman) and his supposed right to determine human destinies from positions that challenge established moral norms retain their relevance. In modern democratic societies, these norms have been transformed into ethical and legal standards with the status of international law. Given that Nietzsche’s ideas were widely appropriated for anti-human purposes during the two world wars, there is a pressing need to reconsider and critically reassess his legacy. Such a reassessment may be guided by the didactic principle that rereading leads to deeper understanding: not only does the reader interpret the text, but the text also “interprets” the reader. In this regard, particular attention should be paid to Nietzsche’s work The Will to Power as a key source for re-evaluating the ethical and moral dimensions of his philosophy.

Digital Empathy or Digital Indifference? A Study of Pastoral Support in the Era of Virtual Communication

Hedviga Tkáčová — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0300

The increasing digitalization of interpersonal communication has also extended into the sphere of religious life and pastoral practice. In this context, growing attention is being paid to the impact of digital technologies on the quality of spiritual support. This study focuses on the concept of digital empathy as a key indicator of effective and authentic pastoral presence in virtual environments. The aim of the article is to examine the factors that foster or hinder the development of empathy in online communication, to identify manifestations of digital indifference, and to propose strategies for preventing superficial or impersonal forms of interaction. Particular attention is given to the potential of a hybrid model of pastoral care that integrates the strengths of both face-to-face and digital engagement. The research is based on a theoretical and conceptual analysis grounded in an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on theology, psychology, and media studies, with a specific focus on digital communication. The study offers recommendations for cultivating empathetic and professionally grounded pastoral practice in digital contexts.

Analysis of the role of religion and spirituality during adolescence in the context of health

Margita Kollarova — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0300

The study examines the role of religion and spirituality during adolescence, with a particular focus on religiosity as a determinant of health among young Catholics in Slovakia. It conceptualizes religiosity as a multidimensional phenomenon and addresses its key dimensions
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as well as established typologies of believers. Attention is also paid to adolescent religiosity in the broader context of social development and the transition to adulthood. In addition, the study focuses on the structure of leisure activities of young Catholics and their relationship to religiosity and health-related behavior. Leisure activities are understood as an important part of adolescents’ lifestyle, reflecting value orientations, social integration, and behavioral patterns that can influence both physical and psychological well-being. The empirical analysis is based on a representative quantitative sociological survey conducted among 3rd and 4th year high school students in Slovakia. The sample consisted of 1,968 respondents and was representative in terms of gender, school type and regional distribution. A total of 1,208 respondents identifying as Roman Catholic or Greek Catholic were included in the cluster analysis. Using cluster analysis, the study identifies empirical typologies of young Catholics according to their leisure activity patterns. These typologies are further interpreted in relation to selected indicators of religiosity and health-related behaviors, allowing for a more detailed understanding of the relationship between religious engagement, lifestyle and adolescent health. The findings contribute to the understanding of religiosity as a complex social factor that interacts with health-related behaviors and developmental processes during adolescence. The study highlights the importance of considering both institutional and personal experiential dimensions of religiosity when analyzing its impact on young people’s lives.

Philosophy as medicine of the human soul: political and legal aspect

Vitaliy Zhadko — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0300

The article is devoted to the consideration of an important social problem, caused by the actual departure of even countries with established democracy, political and legal state institutions from the norms of international law. After all, it was their application that contributed to the emergence of the state as a managerial regulatory social institution, and philosophy as a worldview and methodological basis for the possibility of carrying out an objective world and human cognitive process, subordinated to humanistic and at the same time ecological goals. Of course, outstanding sages warned about the inevitable dangers of humanity's transition to a cognitive and industrial labor way of life, but by nature itself, man is innately curious, which also objectively encourages him to learn and implement learning results in the sphere of social and natural existence. However, it is difficult to heed the warnings of the wise, because they are the result of an enlightened revelation to their consciousness of the objectively inevitable negative consequences of too active human invasion of the natural environment without proper substantive research of the laws of its existence, while it is characteristic of a person with his fleeting life to rush to confirm his questions both about the world order and about the motivational structure of his own motives, the dominant essence of which is subjective, affective, arbitrary, and so unpredictable. It can be perceived, but only in retrospect, when the event has already occurred. The author's reflections that make up the content of this article are devoted precisely to the considerations about the presence in the human consciousness of the world of objective ideas and the degree of their correlation with and influence on human subjectivity, which acquires an illegal aggressive content in the persons of authoritarian state leaders, as well as to the limits of the humanistic legitimacy of the constitutional norm on the principle of the supremacy of justice over the law.

If stupidity is a disease, how to treat it?

Angel Grancharov — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0300

The author considers stupidity and dullness to be an eternally existing and important human phenomenon, a phenomenon of the psyche (soul and spirit) of a person. In this, as a result of the paralysis of sensitivity, mental life loses the life-giving and healing interaction between the basic abilities of the soul: mind, sensitivity, will, self-awareness. The chaos that has occurred in the soul begins to generate products that are incomplete at the mental and emotional levels of personality – this is precisely the nonsense (which calls itself "truths" and even "great wisdom"), lies, meanness, abomination, etc. In order to cure such a soulless soul, it is necessary to cause the so-called "earthquake of the soul" through mental blows, attacks and provocations, where the hope is to adjust the layers of the soul, that is, the abilities ("functions") of the soul, to begin to do their job and interact effectively. The author will convince that fools can not only begin to stop their stupidity, not only become wiser, but also, more importantly, begin to humanize themselves and their activity.

"Philosophy, religion and medicine in the modern age", review of the 8th International scientific and practical conference

Iryna Vasylieva, Serhii Shevchenko — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0300

The article contains an overview of the 8th International Scientific and Practical Conference “Philosophy, religion and medicine in the modern age”, dedicated to the following issues and problems: relationship between religion and medicine in life and work of St. Luke (V. F. Voino-Yasenetskyi); Methodological and historical aspects of the relationships between religion and medicine in modern society; interpretation of human health in the context of approaches to philosophy, religion and medicine; correlations of religion and clinical medicine; topical aspects of bioethics and biomedical ethics in modern religious discourse; religion as a socio-spiritual determinant of individual and public health; philosophy of religion and medicine in the context of modern challenges during wartime; philosophical understanding of the integration of AI into medicine.

Can Medicine Remain Ars Curandi? Structural Tensions Between Individual Rights and Healthcare System Resilience Under Conditions of Scarcity

Silvia Capíková, Vojtech Ozorovský, Maria Nováková — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0300

The study examines the growing tension between the protection of individual rights of patient and the need to maintain the resilience of healthcare systems under conditions of resources scarcity. Drawing on contemporary challenges such as public health emergencies, workforce shortages, and increasing demands on healthcare services, it explores whether
medicine can continue to fulfil its traditional role as Ars Curandi while operating within structural and financial constraints. Particular attention is paid to the relationship between physician autonomy, access to care, and collective interests in situations where healthcare resources are limited. The study contributes to the debate by conceptualizing healthcare system resilience as a legal and ethical challenge rather than merely an organizational or managerial issue. It argues that sustainable healthcare governance requires a careful balance between respect for individual rights and measures aimed at safeguarding the functioning of the healthcare system as a whole. Contemporary developments suggest that scarcity cannot be fully eliminated, but must be increasingly anticipated and managed. The quality of laws and bylaws is crucial for ensuring transparency, rationality and fairness in healthcare delivery.

Evolution of healthcare policy in Ukraine: main stages and challenges

Svitlana Miserzhy — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0300

During the period of independence, Ukraine has been in the process of developing its own model of healthcare, seeking to ensure a balance between social justice, economic efficiency,
and accessibility to medical care under conditions of significant socio-economic differentiation of the population. At various stages, attempts were made to introduce individual elements of the main global models of health care systems and their financing. The political conditioning of the reforms was determined by a set of factors, including the deterioration of the medical and demographic situation, Ukrainian society’s perception of access to medical care as a fundamental social right, the rising cost of medical technologies, the struggle between social groups of different political, professional, and economic interests, as well as the need to respond to large-scale crisis challenges, primarily the COVID-19 pandemic and the full-scale war. The proposed periodization takes into account not only changes in financing models, but also the impact of political decisions, institutional conflicts, and external crisis factors on the evolution of state policy in Ukraine’s healthcare system.

The problem of existential challenges of modern armed conflicts in the international philosophical, religious and medical discourses

Yuliia Kholiavchuk — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0300

This research investigates the existential challenges of contemporary armed conflicts through the prism of an interdisciplinary dialogue between philosophy, religion, and medicine. The transformation of classical principles of bioethics under conditions of wartime resource scarcity is analyzed, in particular the phenomenon of "ethical narrowing”, the moral dilemmas of healthcare workers, and the tension between medical neutrality and national-patriotic imperatives. Special attention is paid to the phenomenon of moral injury as a spiritual-ethical and psychological consequence of war, which requires the integration of psychological, medical, and chaplaincy care. The author highlights the actualization of the problem of theodicy for religious medical practitioners, the socialization of the medical calling, and the eschatological worldview that emerges in wartime conditions. The necessity of interdisciplinary cooperation between medical professionals, psychologists, chaplains, and philosophers to provide comprehensive care for affected individuals is substantiated, practical models for integrating chaplaincy services into clinical practice are outlined, and the need to prepare future physicians to consider patients' spiritual needs in wartime is emphasized. The conclusion is made that the combination of philosophical, religious and medical approaches contributes to the preservation of human dignity, moral stability and integrity of the individual in the conditions of modern armed conflicts.

The sense of duty of future doctors against the background of their attitude to philosophical and religious ideas: results of a questionnaire survey of the Bogomolets National Medical University students

Serhii Kiriyenko — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0300

The fate of various ideas in the history of mankind is truly unexpected. Unexpected are both the improvement (or simply change) of their content and historical changes in the perception of ideas by different strata and groups of the population (professional, age, religious, etc.). Ideas are very flexible and plastic. Even if there are certain reasons that “preserve” the content of some ideas (for example, the ideas of religious teachings should be immutable), the historical changes still may occur in the interpretation of these ideas, their understanding, their social or ideological role. History almost does not know permanence and immutability. The application of the ideas with most stable content is variable and unstable. Religion is the bearer and disseminator of ideas that, according to religious interpretation, should be invulnerable to change: religious thinkers appeal to the eternal supernatural source of religious ideas. But religious ideas also undergo some changes. Thus, the teachings of Thomas Aquinas were considered to have a supernatural source, and the thinker himself received in the Catholic Church, in addition to the status of a saint, the title of “angelic doctor”, which implied the impossibility of improving the ideas of Thomism. But within the Catholic Church itself, neo-Thomism arose: the need for change and improvement, if not of the teachings themselves, then of their understanding and interpretation, the
need of which turned out to be stronger than the stability allegedly caused by supernatural perfection. New trends, new teachings arise in a wide variety of religions - both Western and Eastern, they arise even where the innovations seem impossible. Therefore, not only changes, but also the historical stability of certain views and ideas is a problem that requires awareness. Medical students, in their majority, quite unexpectedly refused (during a survey on religion understanding and attitude towards religion) to recognize the “deep philosophical ideas” of religions as outdated. The fact that it was precisely the philosophical ideas of religions that were discussed further exacerbates the problem: after all, philosophy is often, among other things, a sphere of rational discussion, which, unlike sacred teachings, causes and experiences continuous changes and improvements. This survey is devoted to describing such an unexpected statistical result and attempts to draw conclusions from it.

Philosophical aspects of I. S. Kucherov’s theory of human behavior motivations neurophysiological basis and mechanisms

Anatoliy Vermenko — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0300

The article examines the main aspects and components of Professor I.S. Kucherov’s theory regarding the neurophysiological and hormonal basis of human motivation and worldview. It analyzes the involvement of various brain structures and neurotransmitters in driving motivational states, as well as the dynamic interaction between the environment, an individual’s internal state, and the brain's cognitive and emotional processes in generating motivation. Furthermore, Professor I.S. Kucherov’s understanding of motivation regulation at the neurobiological level is described, highlighting its connection to emotions and drives, which are often influenced by external societal and cultural factors. The article demonstrates that the constant gathering, processing, and testing of new information regarding alternatives to established ways of manifesting basic needs is an inseparable and natural element of human neurophysiological activity. Finally, it highlights the role of emotions as the "natural language of needs"—a means of urgently mobilizing all resources of the human body in response to stressful situations or when facing a lack of skills, time, or other resources required to satisfy needs. Emotions also function as "warning signals" for the potential occurrence of such situations in the near future, allowing the subconscious to respond more proactively than consciousness to changes in the subject's environment.

The Physician in the Face of Death: Reflections on the Books of Henry Marsh

Lada Yatcyshyna — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0300

This study is devoted to the analysis of ethical and philosophical issues raised in the works of the British neurosurgeon Henry Marsh. The main attention is focused on the limits of medical intervention, the human right to a dignified death, the responsibility of the doctor and the moral dilemmas of modern neurosurgery. Using the materials of the books “Do No Harm” and “Stories of Life, Death and Neurosurgery”, the complexity of clinical decision-making in cases of severe brain damage, when treatment can only continue biological existence without the prospect of restoring consciousness or independent life, is considered. Special attention is paid to the principles of informed consent, the professional integrity of the doctor and the psychological stress associated with a constant confrontation with death. Henry Marsh's vision of humanistic medicine as one that should not only prolong life, but also alleviate suffering and preserve human dignity, is revealed. The relevance of the study is due to the challenges that the Ukrainian healthcare system faced in the conditions of war and the future post-war recovery, primarily the increase in the number of patients with severe traumatic brain injuries and neurological damage. The article also highlights Henry Marsh's cooperation with Ukrainian doctors and his views on the prospects for the development of Ukrainian medicine. It is concluded that his ethical reflections are an important basis for the formation of a humanistic model of medical ethics in Ukraine, based on the principles of palliative care, respect for the dignity of the patient and the moral responsibility of the doctor.

Algorithmic moderation of medical knowledge as an epistemic challenge of the digital transformation of medicine

Olena Lavrynovych — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0300

The research examines the epistemic challenges arising from the increasing role of algorithmic moderation in the digital transformation of medicine. It explores how digital platforms, search engines, and artificial intelligence technologies, particularly large language models (LLMs), reshape the production, evaluation, validation, dissemination, and practical use of medical knowledge. Special attention is devoted to the epistemic risks associated with algorithmic mediation, including algorithmic opacity, the reproduction of systematic biases, informational homogenization, hallucinations generated by large language models, and the diminishing role of contextual clinical judgment in medical decision-making. The paper also traces the historical development of medical knowledge standardization and demonstrates how AI-driven technologies redefine traditional mechanisms of knowledge production and professional expertise. Five conceptual approaches to understanding the role of artificial intelligence in medicine are identified and systematized: the algorithm-centered approach, the critique of digital paternalism, the synergistic approach, the institutional-pragmatic approach, and the institutional-sociotechnical approach. These approaches reflect different conceptions of the relationship between physicians, algorithmic systems, and healthcare institutions, as well as different models for allocating epistemic authority and responsibility. The paper concludes that the future of digital medicine depends not on replacing physicians with artificial intelligence but on developing transparent, accountable, and human-centered models of human–AI collaboration that strengthen clinical decision-making while preserving professional responsibility and epistemic autonomy.

Bioethical aspects of stem cell application in medicine

Boleslav Syshchenko — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0300

This research analyzes key bioethical aspects of stem cell application in the modern biomedical field. The historical development of cell technologies is highlighted, embryonic, induced pluripotent and mesenchymal stem cells are characterized, as well as their therapeutic potential and specifics of their application from a bioethical point of view. The main attention is paid to moral and legal problems related to the production of embryonic stem cells, safety of their clinical use, respect for human dignity, risks of commercialization of stem cell technologies, protection of personal medical data and ensuring fair access to innovative methods of treatment. The advantages of induced pluripotent and mesenchymal stem cells as more ethically acceptable alternatives are considered, while emphasizing the need for further research regarding their efficacy and safety. In conclusion it is established that the development of cell therapy requires comprehensive legal regulation, adherence to the principles of bioethics and the search for a balance between scientific progress, protection of human rights and public interests.

The origins of the phenomenon of “religious pacifism”

Dmytro Bazyk — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0300

The publication examines the problem of the emergence of the phenomenon of “religious pacifism”. Key issues of the history of the origins, specifics of the formation and evolution of the phenomenon of religious pacifism are highlighted in both Western (Biblical, early Christian traditions and later Christian confessional branches) and Eastern (Buddhism and Jainism) religious traditions. Since the phenomenon of religious pacifism arose as a spiritual response to the problem of violence, the publication analyzes the main available religious sources (in particular, Biblical texts) and ethical principles (such as wu-wei or dharmas), which form the foundation of its conceptual provisions. The study of the phenomenon of "religious pacifism" is worthy of attention precisely in the context of modernity, because this phenomenon itself has its own history with vivid examples of followers who renounced violence due to religious beliefs and quite often stood in opposition to state and social norms and rules of behavior.

Heroes do not die: requiem for Viacheslav Vsevolodovych Kobrzhytsky

From Editorial Board — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0300

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Viacheslav Vsevolodovych Kobrzhytsky, a member of the editorial staff of the international Bulgarian multilingual peer-reviewed special issue of the journal Ideas, who lost his life during the war between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. From 2013 to 2025, Viacheslav Kobrzhytsky worked as a literary editor of articles submitted to the journal in English. He was a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Philosophy, Bioethics and History of Medicine at O. O. Bohomolets National Medical University. He was distinguished by his high professionalism and meticulous dedication across multiple areas of work at the departmental, university, and international levels.