Social Foundations of the Philosophical Interpretation of Opera Art in Ukraine in the Contemporary Period

Abstract

The article examines the social foundations of the philosophical understanding of Ukrainian opera art in the contemporary period. It is emphasized that opera, as both an artistic and social phenomenon, undergoes constant transformations in accordance with socio-historical changes and today requires a new reconsideration under the conditions of the pandemic and war. The period from 2019 to 2025 is primarily considered in terms of reflecting on history and transformations in the works of Ukrainian researchers, who engage with and apply significant philosophical, historical, aesthetic, and cultural achievements of global importance, while also highlighting the distinct features of the Ukrainian perspective on this phenomenon.

Based on the analysis of scholarly works, predominantly by domestic researchers, the main trends in the development of Ukrainian opera are revealed, including its genre and stylistic transformations, social functions, as well as the influence of philosophical and cultural concepts on the formation of its modern image. Particular attention is paid to issues of identity, globalization, artistic hybridization, cultural decolonization, and the role of opera theaters in strengthening national resilience.

The research methodology relies on historical, analytical, and comparative approaches, which make it possible to identify contemporary features in Ukrainian social thought concerning the perception of opera art against the background of its history.

Conclusions. As a result, it has been proven that contemporary Ukrainian opera art is not only a synthetic and multifaceted social and aesthetic phenomenon, but also an important tool of socio-philosophical reflection on human existence, capable of performing compensatory and worldview functions under conditions of existential challenges.

Philosophical reflections on the phenomenon under consideration may themselves include both classical means of reflection as well as concepts that are only beginning to be employed, such as “polyhybridization,” “cognitive war,” and others.