Formation of university students’ moral consciousness in the context of modern transformations of Ukrainian society

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of theoretical aspects of the moral consciousness formation of higher education institutions’ students in the context of current military aggression in Ukraine. The authors prove the relevance of the outlined problem that is determined by the main contradictions of our time. The researchers reveal the essence of the phenomenon of “morality” as an evaluative and imperative way of mastering reality, which regulates human behavior in the concept of “the good and evil” and as a way of spiritual self-determination of a person; “moral consciousness” as a medium of reflection the main principles and norms of morality in human minds that regulate the human relationship as well as their attitude to society, from the standpoint of internalization of public moral concepts and values, cognitive and evolutionary concept and activity approach. It is identified a four-component structure of moral consciousness (cognitive, worldview, emotional and behavioral components) that based on the individual’s activity in various activities. It is emphasized that all structural components of moral consciousness work as one. The issues of the formation of university students’ moral consciousness are characterized, including such as the peculiarities of the situation of age development, the leading type of activity and the social situation in modern Ukrainian society, which poses a number of difficult choices and moral tests for nowadays young people. The qualities of students’ mature moral consciousness at the present stage are defined. Among them are: communication skills, management of their own behavior, skills of making responsible decisions, high level of consciousness, ability to navigate in difficult life circumstances. Prospects for further research in terms of searching and theoretical substantiation of effective pedagogical conditions for the formation of moral consciousness of students in higher education institutions are outlined.