Transformation of the legal content of the concept unity in the Ukrainian political and legal thought of the XIX – early XX century

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of the article is to reveal the peculiarities of the formation and transformation of the concept of «unity» in the Ukrainian state and legal thought of the XIX – XX centuries. The time frame is determined primarily by the intensification of the Ukrainian national movement, its politicization, the formation of the concept of national statehood and its implementation during 1917-1921. Methods. The methodological basis of the study was a set of general scientific, special scientific and philosophical methods. The analytical method and the comparative approach became the key, which allowed to reveal the peculiarities of the formation and evolution of the concept of «unity» in a particular historical period. Results. It is established that the concept of «unity» in the Ukrainian political and legal thought during the XIX – early XX centuries. passed several stages, each of which was characterized by the corresponding content of the concept of «unity», the way to achieve it, as well as the degree of public support. In particular, four stages are distinguished: 1) 1830-1840 – «organizational»; 2) 1860-1880's – «intermediate»; 3) 1890's – the first decade of the twentieth century. («political»); 4) from 1907 to 1919. Scientific novelty. The thesis about the traditional idea of the national-territorial unity of the Ukrainian lands for Ukrainian political and legal thought was argued, which was reflected in the concept of «unity». Practical significance. The results of the study can be used in further historical and legal research, preparation of special courses, in particular in the study of the history of state and law of Ukraine, the history of doctrines of state and law.