Theoretical and methodological principles of Valerii Stepankov’s scientific work (dedicated to the researcher’s 75th birthday anniversary)

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to analyze the theoretical and methodological principles of Valerii Stepankov’s scientifi c work. He has a Doctorate Degree in Historical Sciences, Professor, head of the Department of World History at Kamianets-Podilskyi Ivan Ohiienko National University. Th e methodological ground of the research is the principles of historicism, comprehensiveness and consistency. Th e author has widely used problem-chronological, comparative and diachronic methods. Th e scientifi c novelty of the article is determined by the number of historiographical sources –individual works of the researcher that were used. Conclusions. Th e family upbringing formed in the future historian the main worldview mat- rix of moral and ethical values based on honesty, decency, diligence, responsible performance of assignments and tasks. Th e initial stage of his formation as a scientist evolved during his student years and the fi rst years of work as an assistant in the General History Department of Kamianets-Podilskyi Volodymyr Zatonskyi Pedagogical Institute (1967-1975) and was determined by the Marxist methodology of author’s research initiatives. Th e next stage (1976-1988) started aft er V. Stepankov’s acquaintance with the books of M. Hrushevsky «History of Ukraine- Rus» and V. Lypynsky «Ukraine at the Turn of 1657-1659» which was the impetus for the pro- cess of rethinking the concept of the liberation struggle of the Ukrainian people in 1648-1654. It was unfortunate period for the author, because he could not publicly present it within the socio-political conditions of that time. During the «turning decade» (1989-1998), the removal of ideological restrictions and the actualization of the problem in connection with the forma- tion of independent Ukraine created favorable conditions for the professional self-realization of Mr. V. Stepankov who became a successful scientist-innovator. Based on the statehood approach, he has formulated the concept of the National Liberation Revolution of 1648-1676. From the end of the XXth century and to the present days, he continues to deepen and expand the analytical arguments of his vision of the events of Ukrainian / national history of the middle and second half of the XVIIth century. Nowadays, V. Stepankov uses the principles of positivism and neo- positivism as the methodological basis of his research, but does not limit himself to this. He also extensively uses the tools of the «Annals» school, the «new» social history, modal biography, and psychohistory.