Paideia in Ukraine: a critical examination of Eurocentric influences and educational transformation

Abstract The concept of Paideia, which emerged from ancient Greek philosophical traditions, has undergone significant transformations in Ukraine's educational landscape. This paper critically examines the impact of Eurocentric influences on the concept of Paideia within the Ukrainian cultural and educational space, positioned at the crossroads of Eastern and Western philosophical traditions. Through a qualitative methodological approach combining in-depth interviews with key educational stakeholders and comprehensive analysis of scholarly literature, we investigate three interrelated dimensions: the historical and contemporary understanding of Paideia in Ukraine, the influence of European educational models on Ukraine's education system, and the resulting perceptions of Ukrainian cultural identity both domestically and internationally. Our findings reveal a complex interplay between Eurocentric transformations and Ukraine's educational traditions, highlighting both positive outcomes (modernization, standardization, and enhanced international integration) and concerning consequences (homogenization, centralization, and potential cultural erasure).