No 5 (2025)
ARTICLES
Pets, humans, culture (issues of rationality, evolution, and communication)
Abstract
The article discusses what domestic animals are, their linguistic and developmental differences from wild animals and humans. The author contemplated these questions while reflecting on the nature of artificial intelligence and was struck by a certain similarity between AI and domestic animals. The absence of "personal sovereignty" in domestic animals is examined: humans isolate them from the wild and its inhabitants, create a living environment for them (food, communication), and assume control and power prerogatives. To understand this, the author analyzes animal language, showing that they use signals, while a signal does not have the same meaning as a sign; it corresponds to a real situation for the animal, while the sign represents it. Usually, this situation is imagined, allowing for actions to resolve problems faced by humans (initially, communities, collectives of people). The evolution of humans and domestic animals is compared. Human evolution has followed the path of creating an artificial world (culture) through signs (language) and technology. Based on his research, the author argues that human life has been and continues to be based on "three whales" – semiotics (signs, schemes, symbols, etc.), culture, and technology. The evolution of domestic animals has taken place within two different contexts. The first, defined by the practice of artificial selection, has allowed domestic animals to become a special form of technology. The second evolutionary context is psychological, related to communication and the realization of personality. In the end, the article notes, on one hand, the involvement of domestic animals in two encompassing processes: evolution driven by artificial selection (phylogenetic plan) and the human-created environment that determines all their behavior (ontogenetic plan). On the other hand, there are three aspects of domestic animals. On one side, a domestic animal is an artifact of culture and humanity (the owner); on the other, it is living technology; and on the third side, it is our beloved pet, a part of our self with which we communicate and realize ourselves.
Man and Culture. 2025;(5):1-10
1-10
The Image of Artificial Intelligence in the Mirror of Modern Culture: Public Reflection
Abstract
The object of the study is the culture of artificial intelligence (AI); the subject – its understanding in modern culture: mass media, social networks. Attention was drawn to the use of AI in various industries, ethical issues, its functioning, etc. It is noted that public reflection is a component of the AI-culture and at the same time a factor in its formation. AI receives a response in the information space, causes lively discussions, produces assessments and opinions. Particular attention is paid to whether a positive or negative assessment is expressed about AI in public opinion, which aspects of the AI culture are more important for members of modern society. The study was conducted using a set of research tools: methods of analysis, observation, description, value, cultural and historical methods using interdisciplinary and integrated approaches. The method used was to analyze publications from electronic media, social networks, etc. The scientific novelty of the study is due to the novelty of the AI culture as a subject of study. Criteria for assessing AI in public opinion have not been developed, making the assessment of the reflection of AI culture in public opinion subjective. However, the study relied on the opinions of representatives of various social groups. The majority of users have positive opinion of AI, it is common to consider it as a useful tool that improves the quality of human life, it is not dangerous. Negative statements concern the undesirable impact of AI on people, the possible loss of jobs by people, the use of neural networks by fraudsters, and a possible attack by AI. It is concluded that the study of public reflection on AI helps to better understand the AI-culture.
Man and Culture. 2025;(5):11-22
11-22
Memory culture of the Russian speakers aboard (case-study of commemoration practices in Germany in 1991-2020)
Abstract
The object of research in this article is the cultural and historical memory of Russian speakers abroad. The subject of the study is the commemorative practices of the Russian–speaking population of Germany in 1991–2020. The number of Russian speakers in the country is estimated at 4–6 million people, which has led to their sufficient institutional activity: in all 16 federal states of Germany there are institutes of Russian culture, whose activities reflect various socio-cultural practices, including commemorative ones. They are dedicated to memorable dates in Russian history (with a special focus on Victory Day), holidays and anniversaries of Russian cultural figures. In this article, the practice of commemoration is considered based on the activities of several cultural institutions – the Mir Society for Cultural Exchange (Munich), the Russian-German Cultural Center in Nuremberg. These practices are investigated using the mosaic reconstruction method, which involves fixing specific events and reducing them to a common whole – in this case, a common cultural pattern. Auxiliary general scientific methods are involved – description and analysis, as well as observation (the author collected empirical material in Germany in 2016). It has been established that the commemorative practices conducted by these centers in the designated historical period correspond to the cultural pattern of "Soviet Russian-speaking culture", despite the extremely heterogeneous composition of the "Russian-speaking" group. It is demonstrated that over time, the cultural pattern undergoes changes due to the residence of Russian speakers in a foreign cultural environment, as well as a gradual change in the composition of the group. It is postulated that the main changes in the cultural pattern are related to the process of integration of Russian speakers into a new society, which presupposes the simultaneous preservation of the original culture and adherence to the values of the new cultural environment, as demonstrated by the example of Easter. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the fact that for the first time the features of the functioning and transformation of the cultural pattern "Soviet Russian-speaking culture" have been empirically demonstrated based on the activities of Russian-speaking institutions in Germany.
Man and Culture. 2025;(5):23-29
23-29
State Creative Procurement in the Digital Age: Challenges of Transparency and Public Trust
Abstract
The study analyzes the ArtSport digital platform serving the state creative procurement mechanism in culture and sports in Kazakhstan as a tool for creating public value in the context of digital transformation of public administration. The subject focuses on the contradiction between technological acceleration of public service delivery and insufficient institutional development of procedures, leading to failures in trust and managerial sustainability. The research examines the problem of mismatch between formal expansion of access to cultural services through a digital platform and the absence of sustainable mechanisms ensuring transparency, fair resource distribution, and accountability of management decisions. The study addresses a situation typical for developing jurisdictions, where digitalization reproduces previous dysfunctions in a new technological interface, creating risks for the legitimacy of public institutions and increasing system sensitivity to opportunistic behavior of participants. Qualitative case study with documentary analysis of regulatory acts, comparative analysis with OECD/UNESCO international standards, and operationalization of public value theory through the "strategic triangle" framework. The scientific novelty lies in the applied operationalization of public value theory for analyzing digital services in the cultural sphere with establishing a direct link between technical solutions and social outcomes. For the first time in the Kazakhstani context, a systematic diagnosis of an e-government service has been conducted through the lens of three public value components: substantive value of results, procedural legitimacy, and operational feasibility. Three critical risk nodes have been identified: identification and integration with state registries, independent verification of service delivery, and managed transparency with regulated response mechanisms. It has been proven that sustainable public impact of digital cultural platforms is achieved only through institutional embedding and technical implementation of all three components. A replicable methodology for diagnosing and redesigning digital services has been developed for cultural policy regulators, platform operators, and public oversight bodies, including an assessment matrix and data flow diagram.
Man and Culture. 2025;(5):30-51
30-51
The Peredvizhniki and the Crisis of Autocracy: Painting and Public Consciousness in Russia 1881-1907
Abstract
The subject of the study is the artistic heritage of the Peredvizhniki as a reflection of socio-political transformations in Russia at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries. The question of the representation of political events in art and the influence of painting on the formation of public consciousness remains relevant, as the artistic practices of the intelligentsia reveal the mechanisms of communication between the individual, society, and power in the context of the ideological crisis of 1881–1907. The aim of the work is to trace the evolution of the artistic views of I.E. Repin, V.E. Makovsky, and V.A. Serov in the context of the crisis of autocratic power and to show the role of their paintings in understanding the political and social changes of the era. The source base of the research includes archival materials, as well as letters, memoirs, and diaries of the artists and their contemporaries. The methodological foundation consists of a socio-cultural approach, as well as historical-genetic, systematic, chronological, typological, and prosopographic methods, which allowed for viewing the work of the Peredvizhniki as a document of the time that captures not only aesthetic searches but also political meanings. The creativity of the Peredvizhniki at the turn of the century was not limited to semantic explorations; it became an important tool for social reflection and the formation of political consciousness amid the crisis of autocratic power. Examples of specific works highlight different strategies of artistic response to political events: I.E. Repin's populist series of paintings shifted to hopes for positive changes in society; V.E. Makovsky, moving away from genre scenes, turned to depicting social catastrophes, fostering a sense of connection to the people's suffering; V.A. Serov, having experienced "Bloody Sunday" in 1905, broke away from official art and turned to satirical graphics, expressing political protest. The evolution of artistic positions demonstrates that the painting of the Wanderers not only captured but actively shaped public sentiments during a time of deep social and political upheaval. The scientific novelty of the research lies not only in the reevaluation of the idea of the complete integration of the Peredvizhniki into the official culture of the 1880s–1900s but also in the absence of comprehensive historical studies on the topic. This work fills this gap by offering a holistic view of the art of the Peredvizhniki as a significant socio-cultural document of an era of political upheaval.
Man and Culture. 2025;(5):52-63
52-63
Regulatory-mediator function of the auction as a sociocultural institution
Abstract
The subject of the research is the auction as a sociocultural institution functioning at the intersection of economic, legal, and cultural spheres. The focus of the analysis is on the regulatory and mediating functions that auction houses perform in contemporary culture. Unlike the traditional understanding of the auction solely as an economic institution organizing the buying and selling of works of art, the research considers it a complex sociocultural phenomenon that provides expertise, authentication, restitution, legal protection of transactions, and the updating of information about cultural values. Special attention is given to how auctions participate in the legitimization of authorship and provenance, in the formation of public consensus, and in the production of symbolic capital, as well as in ensuring access for a broader audience to works from private collections. The research methodology is based on an interdisciplinary approach that includes cultural and institutional analysis, as well as a case method focusing on specific situations related to authentication, restitution, and the market circulation of works of art. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the cultural interpretation of the auction as a sociocultural institution that performs not only market functions but also regulatory, mediating, and informational functions. The article formulates and justifies five key sociocultural functions of the auction for the first time in a comprehensive manner: authentication (identification of forgeries and confirmation of authenticity), informational-updating (updating information about previously inaccessible or unknown works), popularization (temporarily opening private collections to a broader audience), legal-supporting (formation of contractual guarantees and legal mechanisms for transaction protection), and restitution (facilitating the return of stolen cultural values). It is concluded that the dual nature of the public aspect of auctions can, on one hand, promote transparency and expert verification, while, on the other hand, it can be used for reputational and market manipulation. Thus, the auction emerges as a complex cultural mechanism that shapes a new environment for the circulation of art.
Man and Culture. 2025;(5):64-77
64-77
Creative industries and the boundaries of creativity: a cultural analysis of post-industrial reality
Abstract
The subject of this research is the phenomenon of creative industries as a form of cultural and social organization in the conditions of a post-industrial society undergoing radical transformations. Special attention is paid to creativity, viewed not only as a source of economic value but also as a universal resource for adaptation, identity formation, individual resilience, and symbolic inclusion in the cultural environment. The analysis focuses on the processes of institutionalization of the creative economy, the transformation of the concepts of "creativity" and "industry" in the contemporary cultural discourse, as well as the expansion of the circle of subjects of creative activity. The study encompasses both artistic and non-functional forms of creativity, identifying their significance in the context of social change, digitalization, urban development, cultural inclusion, and social justice. The critical potential of creativity as a mechanism for transcending normative knowledge is also considered. The research is based on an interdisciplinary approach that combines cultural, philosophical, sociological, and anthropological analysis, using methods of comparative conceptualization, critical discourse, and interpretation of cultural practices in a post-industrial context. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the comprehensive interdisciplinary understanding of creative industries as a cultural phenomenon that goes beyond economic utilitarianism. The work substantiates the need for an expanded understanding of creativity that includes non-functional, non-commercial forms of creativity and emphasizes its role as a resource for cultural subjectivity and social inclusion. A critical interpretation of the concepts of "creative class" and "creative economy" is proposed in the context of their cultural and social heterogeneity. It is shown that in the conditions of post-industrial transformations, creativity becomes an essential mechanism for adaptation and symbolic self-expression for a wide range of actors. The conclusion is made about the necessity of a conceptual rethinking of creativity as a universal cultural code that structures not only the economy but also lifestyle, forms of employment, and new models of social solidarity.
Man and Culture. 2025;(5):78-89
78-89
The justification and applicability of career interest assessment tools from a cross-cultural perspective
Abstract
The subject of the research is the validity and applicability of modern tools for assessing career interests in an intercultural context. The object of the study includes psychometric methods and scales such as RIASEC, SDS, and SII, used for career counseling in various cultural environments. The author examines in detail aspects of the topic such as structural validity, conceptual equivalence, and the influence of cultural factors on diagnostic outcomes. Special attention is given to the issues of localizing Western methods in non-Western countries, the challenges of translation and semantic adaptation of tests, as well as the impact of cultural norms on the interpretation of professional preferences. Examples of successful adaptation in East Asian and Arab countries are also analyzed. The study underscores the need for creating a culturally inclusive diagnostic model and provides practical recommendations for career counselors and HR specialists. The work relies on contemporary data from the fields of cross-cultural psychology and psychometrics. The study employed methods of theoretical analysis, comparative review, and case studies of tool localization. Data from cross-cultural psychometric research, including factor analysis and expert assessment of content validity, were used. The key findings of the conducted research highlight the necessity of adapting Western tools for assessing career interests to the conditions of non-Western cultures, as well as recognizing the limitations of universal models like RIASEC without considering the cultural context. A significant contribution of the author to the research topic is the identification of key methodological risks in cross-cultural testing and the formulation of practical recommendations for the localization of scales. The novelty of the study lies in the systematic analysis of the practice of using diagnostic tools in different countries and the justification of principles for creating culturally inclusive career guidance models. The work emphasizes the importance of semantic and structural equivalence in test adaptation, as well as the significance of developing local professional classifiers. The conclusions drawn contribute to a more accurate and fair assessment of career interests in a global context and can be applied in the practices of counseling, HR management, and educational policy.
Man and Culture. 2025;(5):90-101
90-101
Direct speech in The Customs of Tortosa: evidence of oral communication or literary device
Abstract
This article examines the recording of customary law by medieval legalists using two editions of the "Customs of Tortosa" (1272 and 1279). The study focuses on the forms of oral communication reflected in the text of this customary law collection, compiled primarily in Old Catalan. Of particular interest is the transformation of oral legal norms into written text and the changes customary law underwent during the process of legalist recording. Particular attention is paid to the classification of elements of direct speech depending on the circumstances of their use in normative documents. The research methodology is based on a comprehensive historical-philological approach, employing textual, comparative, and contextual analysis. The author uses methods of the historical anthropology of law to reconstruct the sociocultural context of legal communication. Key methodological principles include an analysis of the text in two versions and identification of transformations of direct speech. The study draws on methodological developments in Western European medieval studies in the field of studying the relationship between oral and written practices. The scientific novelty lies in its comprehensive analysis of direct speech as a literary device and evidence of oral communication in the "Customs of Tortosa – a record of customary law, which existed primarily in oral form. The author demonstrates that direct speech in the "Customs of Tortosa" serves multiple functions: it records performative utterances; it standardizes the speech practices of the trial participants; it lends authority and legitimacy to the text. This conclusion is reinforced by the fact that most of the speech inserts are prescriptive in nature and reflect standardized legal formulas. The study demonstrates that direct speech simultaneously serves as evidence of a vibrant judicial oral culture and a conscious literary-legal device for recording procedural norms of customary law by professional legalists, representatives of a "textual" culture.
Man and Culture. 2025;(5):102-112
102-112
The illusion of co-authorship in interactive cinema
Abstract
We dedicated the article to the theme of interactive cinema and the illusion of co-authorship, which is, in one way or another, the foundation of this genre. This element can be observed both at the authorial level, when creating a work, and at the viewer level, during interaction with that work. We analyze films and video games where the illusion of co-authorship is vividly expressed. The objects of our research include projects that place a particular emphasis on branching narratives where viewers or players are given choices that influence the plot. All such elements are predetermined by the authors, and one of our main goals is to reveal how screenwriters skillfully conceal the lack of real choices and create the illusion that such an option exists. For example, we take various interactive media, with a particular emphasis on different video games: "The Walking Dead: The Game," "The Dark Pictures Anthology," "Until Dawn," "The Quarry," and "Detroit: Become Human." Our primary research methods include theoretical aspects such as the analysis of scientific texts on the topic and media materials relevant to the subject. Additionally, one of the methods of our research is induction and deduction. The novelty of the research lies in the fact that interactive cinema is becoming an increasingly popular form of art in the media landscape each year. For this reason, it is also becoming a sought-after topic for research in both the global and domestic academic community. The development of the genre is an important topic for understanding how new media are formed. Our research enables the first steps towards highlighting interactive cinema as a distinct form of art alongside cinematography and video games. Despite the fact that interactive cinema consists of separate elements from film and video games that have synthesized into a new medium, we still find elements that distinguish interactive cinema as a separate and new direction in art. This research highlights a key feature in the form of the illusion of co-authorship in the work as a unique element inherent only to the genre of interactive cinema.
Man and Culture. 2025;(5):113-121
113-121
Environmental innovations in Hong Kong outdoor lighting advertising: between art and sustainability
Abstract
Studying the interaction between art innovation and environmental sustainability in the urban design of outdoor light advertising in Hong Kong, their synergy becomes apparent, covering several critical areas for the modern metropolis. Studying the interaction between art innovation and environmental sustainability in the field of urban design of outdoor lighting advertising in Hong Kong, their synergy becomes apparent, covering several critical areas for the modern metropolis. The coverage of Hong Kong, which has become a symbol of its cultural uniqueness, is gradually being transformed with a focus on environmentally responsible practices. Nevertheless, this transition is carried out with special attention to the preservation of creative heritage and visual charm, which emphasizes the enduring aesthetic and value component of light advertising of this magnificent metropolis. This article highlights key changes in Hong Kong street light advertising, focusing on environmental innovation and sustainability. The ongoing change in the urban landscape from age-old neon lights to highly efficient LED systems is a central theme of the analysis. The consideration is aimed at studying the integration of sustainability and artistic grace in objects like the installation "Rising Moon" and the project "Portrait of Waste." The work touches on the role of innovative lighting solutions in the emergence of modern urban design and the formation of environmental consciousness among residents. It demonstrates the extent to which current trends in outdoor lighting contribute to the formation of an environmentally friendly urban space, while maintaining its cultural heritage. The article is motivated to discuss the importance of harmony between expressiveness in art and environmental conscientiousness for the development of light branding in large cities. environmental innovation, light advertising, sustainability, LED technology, urban lighting, neon signage.
Man and Culture. 2025;(5):122-133
122-133
V.P. Zaderatsky. The opera "The Valencian Widow": a current view
Abstract
This article is devoted to V.P. Zaderatsky's opera "The Valencian Widow," based on the comedy by Lope de Vega. This work is the first to receive detailed, specialized treatment in musicological literature. "The Valencian Widow," which he primarily worked on from 1934 to 1940, became the one of composer's favorite creation. Zaderatsky, knowing the work would not be performed in his lifetime, refused to write the score. Nevertheless, he meticulously refined the piano score and brought it to perfection. Miraculously preserved sheet music, provided by the composer's son, V.V. Zaderatsky, serve as the primary source material for this article. The study focuses on the opera's musical form and the specifics of the composer's approach. The feauters of libretto, written by V.P. Zaderatsky himself, is also considered. Particular attention is given to the opera's main thematic material, the musical characteristics of the characters, and the instrumental and choral fragments. The composer's use of intonational and rhythmic complexes and their relationship with Spanish folklore are highlighted. The work's origins and its current status are briefly discussed. The research methodology is based on a combination of historical, analytical and comparative approaches with the use of archival materials. "The Valencian Widow" is the only surviving complete opera by V.P. Zaderatsky, offering a glimpse into the composer's theatrical legacy. It demonstrates a particular attention to drama. Authoring not only the music but also the libretto, V.P. Zaderatsky places his own emphasis on themes, subjecting the literary source to modifications. The use of diverse leitmotifs and recurring intonations cements the opera's structure, lending it a unique cohesion. This work is permeated with Spanish melodies and rhythms, lending it a vibrant musical character. The characterizations of the characters represent a variety of composer's approaches, from unchanging roles to psychologically subtle ones that undergo changes throughout the work. Instrumental fragments, serving various functions, are also significant: the overture, introductions to scenes, postludes, and symphonic episodes. The use of choral coloring is quite laconic and determined by the plot. The democratic nature of the musical language, coupled with the high level of artistic craftsmanship, lends the three-act composition a lightness and grace.
Man and Culture. 2025;(5):134-152
134-152