Blažena Pavlovkinová:
Nation and Worldview in the Slovak Endeavour for Science (1846–1914)

Abstract

The study examines the phenomenon of the nationalisation of science through the case of Slovak nationalists in Hungary and explores the intersection of science, faith, and national ideology in their efforts towards scientific activities in the second half of the 19th century. The objectives of Slovak scientific activities were to a significant extent linked to the endeavor to legitimize national emancipation goals. Until the early 20th century, the ideologues of Slavic/Slovak science preferred to anchor science in idealism and Christian mysticism, viewing these as its unique characteristics. The re-evaluation of attitudes towards “modern” science was related to the ideological shift of a group of Slovak intellectuals, who applied evolutionary progress to societal and cultural phenomena.

Language: english

Keywords: evolution, knowledge transfer, nationalization of science, Slovak national movement