Respondent

Leskiv Mariya Yevhenivna

Theme

Principles of conceptualization of the “political human” concept in modern political science

Defence Date

01.06.2018

Annotation

This thesis dwells on the specifics of conceptualization of the «political human» concept in the history of political thought and modern political science. The core principles are outlined (pre-classical period: spirituality and morality, Christian universalism; classical period: anthropocentrism and reason; non-classical period: dichotomy «depersonalization – excuse for depersonalization»; post-classical period: activity and uncertainty). It is determined that the key to conceptualizing this concept is understanding of the human as a creator of their own and political reality. The research provides arguments that «political human» has to be viewed as a historically formed personality type, sociocultural phenomenon and «product» of respective time. It is determined that a person is an element of the social system and is characterized by a broad motivational range defined by their biological and social nature (the system of symbols and attitudes acquired in the process of interpersonal interactions) which lead to specific needs. Well-founded arguments are provided concerning necessity of applying an interdisciplinary approach to analysis of the human in politics as well as political and anthropological approach to the study of the essence of «political human» and understanding of their role in politics. The research leads to the statement that a political human represents a specific unity of existence of acts of social processes and is manifested in them through «action» as an instrument of creation and transformation of political reality. An action transforms a human into a personality, and acting in the political space forms a «political human». The research states that the concepts of «citizen», «political actor», «political subject» vary in content, but their volumes may intersect (or be equivalent) and be included to the concept of «political human». The spheres of application of these concepts are defined: «political actor» and «political subject» – in political-procedural context, «political human» – in branches of political and theoretical knowledge. The influence of modern and postmodern tendencies on the nature of «political human» is determined. The author’s definition of modern «political human» is proposed. A modern political human is a conscious and active figure of fragmented socio-cultural reality who creates a politics which is based on the individual’s worldview and needs, follows generally accepted principles of behavior and social responsibility. The specifics of political escapism and apolitical phenomenon are considered. The following universal characteristics of a political human which distinguish them from other participants of the political scene (citizens, political subjects, political actors) are determined: physical and personified; full of political characteristics and attitudes; having a special vision of political reality and of themselves in it; political instincts; comprehending politics based on sociocultural foundations of the surrounding society; creating themselves, political sphere and new symbolic forms; understanding and interpreting their political experience, protecting political values.

         Key words: politics, the political, action, function, «political human», «citizen», «political actor», «political subjects», political escapism, apoliticism.

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Autosummary File