My PhD: Exploring the Development of Ukrainian Science Fiction ============================================================== **Focus:** Ukrainian science fiction as a reflection of political, cultural, and technological change. .. tip:: **Research Goal:** My PhD research explores how Ukrainian science fiction mirrors and responds to changing historical conditions and evolving national identity. The Foundations --------------- Although fantastical elements exist since the 13th century, modern SF emerged as a response to **positivism**. .. note:: **Key Concept: Positivism** The belief that scientific and technological progress is the main path to human improvement. In the 1920s, this was expressed through: * **Sandro Kasyanyuk’s** *Machining Humanity*: Harmony between humans and machines. * **Technology as a tool** for building a socialist future. .. warning:: Early Ukrainian SF was deeply influenced by **Soviet propaganda**, which restricted creative freedom. The Golden Age (1970s–1980s) ---------------------------- This period represents a peak in philosophical depth and experimentation. .. hint:: **Key Features:** * Reduced ideological pressure. * Focus on identity and consciousness. * Notable figures: **Oles Berdnyk**, **Volodymyr Savchenko**, **Ihor Rosokhovatskyi**. The Metamodern Revolution (2010s) --------------------------------- Contemporary Ukrainian SF integrates Western traditions with local political themes. .. danger:: **Turning Point:** The 1960s and later the 2010s marked a break from rigid narratives toward a synthesis of irony and sincerity. Conclusion ---------- .. important:: Science fiction is a tool for understanding how societies imagine their future under pressure. Through this work, I aim to position Ukrainian SF within the broader global tradition and highlight its unique cultural contributions.