Dedicated to the 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Doctor of law, Professor Volodymyr Dmytrovych Babkin

Abstract

The article is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of the prominent Ukrainian scholar, Doctor of Law, Professor Volodymyr Dmytrovych Babkin (1924–2018), one of the founders of modern political science and education in Ukraine. The paper highlights V.D. Babkin's life and scientific achievements, his significant contribution to establishing humanistic approaches to understanding politics and law, affirming an anthropocentric worldview, and advancing legal theory and political science. Particular attention is given to his scholarly work, including studies on the philosophy of law, the cyclical nature of political history, the relationships between power and society, the state and the individual, democracy and bureaucracy. His role in developing conceptual foundations for a social-legal state, fostering democratic political culture, and implementing educational standards and curricula for political science in Ukraine is thoroughly examined.

The article emphasizes V.D. Babkin’s involvement in creating the first Ukrainian political science textbook, his work on the Political Science Encyclopedic Dictionary, and his significant contribution to the publication of the Anthology of Ukrainian Legal Thought. His role in developing academic specialty passports for doctoral and candidate degrees in political sciences is noted. The article demonstrates Babkin’s unique ability to integrate legal and political knowledge, his efforts to overcome stereotypes, promote a culture of tolerance, consensus democracy, and civilized political behavior. Special attention is given to his aspiration to balance economic efficiency with social justice, a strong state with democratic institutions.

Of particular value are his views on the continuity of science as the basis for its progress, harmoniously combining traditions and innovations. The text highlights V. D. Babkin’s research methodology and his credo as a scholar, emphasizing objectivity, critical thinking, and depth in scientific inquiry. This article serves as a tribute to a great scientist whose ideas and scientific legacy remain relevant today and inspire new generations of scholars, particularly in the fields of law and political science.