G.O. RADOV’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE FORMATION OF PENITENTIARY THEORY AND PRACTICE IN UKRAINE

<jats:p>The article presents a comprehensive study of the scientific and pedagogical legacy of Heorhii Opanasovych Radov (1949–1999), an outstanding Ukrainian scientist, educator and organiser of penitentiary education. It reveals his contribution to the formation of modern penitentiary theory and practice, in particular, the definition of the essence of the penitentiary process as a multi-level, systemic and moral-ethical phenomenon that goes beyond the activities of penal institutions and covers a wide range of social institutions. Particular attention is paid to the concept of spiritual and religious education as a key factor in the resocialisation of convicts, which, according to the scholar, should become the core of the penitentiary process. His scientific works, which laid the foundation for the development of domestic penitentiary science, are highlighted. The pedagogical activity of H. O. Radov, his author’s courses and methodological guidelines aimed at forming critical thinking in students and combining theoretical knowledge with practice are outlined. The relevance of G. O. Radov’s ideas in the context of contemporary socio-economic challenges and their influence on the development of penitentiary pedagogy, psychology and defectology is emphasised. The conclusion is made about the need for further reflection and practical implementation of his scientific heritage as an important methodological guideline for modern penitentiary science and education in Ukraine. Key words: Georgy Opanasovich Radov; scientific and pedagogical heritage; penitentiary idea; penitentiary process; resocialisation of convicts; spiritual and ethical foundations; religious education; penitentiary pedagogy; penitentiary psychology; penitentiary education in Ukraine.</jats:p>