METHODOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CONCEPT OF «ANIMAL TURN» IN TEACHING HUMANITARIAN DISCIPLINES

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to define the essence and hypothetical causes of the animal turn in modern civilization, based on the empirical base of the most noticeable manifestations of this worldview shift.

Research methods and methodology. We use empirical methods such as observation and generalization of factual material. The main theoretical tools are analysis and synthesis of data on the role of the animalistic worldview in everyday life. For a comprehensive analysis, the integration of various models of cultural dynamics is used, in particular, a combination of synchronous and diachronic approaches.

The scientific novelty of the study lies in the systematic analysis of the essence of the animal turn and its role in the teaching of humanities in higher education institutions.

Conclusions. The animal turn in public consciousness and in the humanitarian disciplines is a noticeable phenomenon in the cultural field of Western civilization in the first quarter of the 21st century. Animals are beginning to be viewed as beings that experience the same emotions, including suffering, as humans, and therefore deserve the same compassion and support. On the other hand, animals act as a source of positive experiences – love, joy, laughter. It should be noted that in the context of animalistic topics in the information space, laughter and compassion are particularly important factors of psychological impact. At first glance, these two emotions are at opposite poles: laughter arises where there is no compassion, and vice versa. However, their combination creates an extremely rich spectrum of feelings that contribute to the formation of high moral qualities. At the same time, we are talking about a positive emotional impact against the background of the challenges and threats of modern human existence not only in Ukraine, but also throughout the world. Important tasks for further research will be: clarifying the socio-cultural causes of AT with their political, economic, technological, legal, etc. implications; conceptualization and assessment of its specific manifestations; clarification of the understanding of the relationship between the natural and the cultural in philosophy and theoretical cultural studies; development of forecasts with correction of negative trends. It can be predicted that such issues will occupy an increasing place both in public life and in the works of theorists. All this is directly related to pedagogical work, since only a deep understanding of this issue will allow a teacher, lecturer, educator to adequately respond to the challenges of the time and to form in students the knowledge, skills, and worldviews that meet the needs of sustainable development, and therefore the very survival of humanity.