History
The Faculty of Philosophy has a long and distinguished history that dates back to 1661, when the Jesuit Collegium was transformed into a university with two departments: Theology and Philosophy. At that time, approximately 200 students were enrolled in the Philosophy Department. The curriculum was modeled on the Jesuit educational system of the 16th century, with significant changes introduced only in the 18th century. The core of the program was based on Aristotelian philosophy, including logic, physics, and metaphysics. Additionally, students studied history, geography, and Greek and Latin. The course of study lasted three years, and graduates of the Philosophy Department could continue their studies in Theology.
In the mid-18th century, a Department of Mathematics was established. New subjects such as Polish, French, German, Geography, and History were introduced.
Following the dissolution of the Jesuit Order in 1773, the university was temporarily closed. It was re-established in 1784 by decree of Austrian Emperor Joseph II, and the Faculty of Philosophy was reinstated alongside the Faculties of Law, Medicine, and Theology.
At that time, philosophy served as preparatory studies for the three other “higher” faculties. In the first year, students studied logic, pure mathematics, general and natural history, and diplomacy; in the second year – physics, applied mathematics, and further history; in the third year – metaphysics, natural theology, ethics, numismatics, aesthetics, practical mathematics, geometry, and technology.
The first Dean of the restored Faculty of Philosophy was Ignacy Józef Martinovych (1755–1795), author of a two-volume textbook on experimental physics. Among the faculty members teaching philosophy were:
- Petro Lodiy (1764–1829), a follower of Kantian philosophy and author of Metaphysics and Logical Instructions;
- Ignác Jan Hanuš (1812–1869), professor of classical philology;
- Viktor Vaclav Hahn (1763–1816), professor of aesthetics.
In the 21st century, the faculty has hosted between 80 and 180 students annually. Notable alumni include prominent figures in Ukrainian culture and politics such as Yakov Holovatsky, Volodymyr Navrotsky, Mykhailo Pavlyk, Oleksandr Terletsky, and Ivan Franko.
In 1924, the Faculty of Philosophy was divided into two branches: Humanities and Natural Sciences & Mathematics.
The first half of the 20th century saw the Faculty associated with leading philosophers such as:
- Kazimierz Twardowski (1866–1938), a student of Franz Brentano and a representative of analytic philosophy;
- Roman Ingarden (1893–1970), a student and critic of Edmund Husserl and a major figure in phenomenology.
After World War II, the Faculty of Philosophy was closed, leaving only a Department of Philosophy. Over the years, the department was led by professors Andrii Brahinets, Borys Kublanov, Tamara Starchenko, and Andrii Pashuk. The department conducted research in history of philosophy, social philosophy, methodology, and logic of scientific inquiry.
In 1992, the Faculty of Philosophy was re-established. The first dean of the renewed faculty was Professor Andrii Pashuk. From 1996, the dean was Professor Volodymyr Melnyk. From 2014 to 2024, the faculty was led by Associate Professor Liudmyla Ryzhak. In December 2024, Professor Olena Kvas was elected Dean and held the position for 9 months before becoming Vice-Rector for Research. Since August 2025, Professor Anatolii Romaniuk has served as Acting Dean.
Currently, the Faculty of Philosophy employs nearly 100 faculty members and has over 800 students and postgraduate researchers. Academic training is provided by six departments:
- Department of History of Philosophy
- Department of Philosophy
- Department of Theory and History of Culture
- Department of Political Science
- Department of Theory and History of Political Science
- Department of Psychology
The faculty also hosts the Scientific Society of Students, Postgraduates, Doctoral Candidates, and Young Scholars “Cordis”. The Society supports talented researchers and organizes academic conferences, seminars, round tables, debates, and research competitions. It actively cooperates with the student government, the trade union, and various youth organizations.
The Faculty of Philosophy takes pride in its professors, students, and alumni. Together, we continue to write the unique history of the faculty, preserving and enriching its traditions.
Glory to the Faculty of Philosophy!
Glory to Ukraine!