Mentality as definition of identification in matrix of ukrainian culture

Abstract

Purpose of Article. The research is dedicated to analysis of Ukrainian mentality in both diachronic and synchronic contexts which give unlimited possibilities for self-reflection and getting to know the culture around for people. Mentality goes as definition of identification for any culture and a marker for the science about culture – Cultural Studies (Cultorology). Methodology. The field of science, where discourse of mentality is set, needs a strict dividing of categories because methodological uncertainty causes theoretical insolvency. Comparative analysis with historical and analytical method gives a possibility to find out specifics of mentality and clarify its conceptual apparatus. Scientific novelty. The scientific novelty of the research lies in conceptual dividing between "mentality" as a national picture of the world and "mentality" as a national character for the matter of proper operationality in the discourse of science. Conclusions. Mentalities are a subsystem of mentality which has wider field of discourse and includes mentalities; the point is the unity but not the sameness. Mentality refers to self-awareness of the person/nation, mentalities are about self-expression of the person/nation. Ukrainian mental universe is expressively original.