Analysis of the significance of possessing an academic degree, in the context of the modern sociocultural paradigm (discussions on the ‘price’ of scientific authority)

UDC 001.32
DOI 10.20339/AM.03-26.017

Vladimir A. Serednev, Lecturer, Department of History, Social Studies and Law, Arzamas Branch at National Research Nizhny Novgorod State University named after N.I. Lobachevsky, Arzamas, e-mail: naganov1910@mail.ru

This study analyzes the relationship between intelligence and academic degrees in contemporary Russia, although this relationship may not be obvious. A trend has been observed in the scientific community where some individuals view obtaining an academic degree not as a means of contributing to the country’s development, but as a tool for achieving personal ambitions. In Russian society, academic degrees are often used by officials to demonstrate their competence and awareness of public issues to the general public, rather than as a reflection of actual knowledge. Particular attention is paid to how the government and officials use the scientific community to confirm their ideological positions, which serves as a tool for manipulating public opinion. An analysis is conducted of the factors responsible for the decline in scientific human resources, the decline in the number of scientific publications, and the reduction in the number of defended dissertations. To stimulate scientific activity, comprehensive solutions based on the conservative-revolutionary paradigm are presented. The key areas of this strategy are: improving the legislative framework, strengthening moral and spiritual values, ensuring adequate funding, modernizing infrastructure, and reforming the higher education system, with a particular emphasis on educating the younger generation.

Keywords: academic degree, intelligence, science, dissertation, power, manipulation of consciousness, society

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