University reform and autonomy: S.M. Solovyov’s apologia

Financial University Under the Government of the Russian Federation, Department of Humanities, Moscow, Russia

^* Corresponding author: eayalozina@fa.ru

Abstract

The article looks at the problem insufficiently explored within Russian historiography, namely the administrative and managerial activities carried out by the 19th-century Russian historian S.M. Solovyov. This research aims to study the theoretical and practical contribution made by Solovyov to the development and implementation of the basic principles within the system of higher education in Russia. The article shows his achievements, potential, and the difficulties he faced in the course of solution of the organizational and managerial tasks. An important result of the research, which reflects its novelty, is a comprehensive exploration of the institutional source materials. This approach allows the authors to understand and restore the history of the development of Russian universities at the stage of implementation of the 1863 Charter, which was characterized by unconventional situations in the relations between the bodies of power and the university professorial corporation. The work also describes Solovyov’s strategy and tactics as an administrator in the context of violations of the University Charter of 1863 by the government circles. The authors make conclusions about Solovyov’s moral qualities, who, as a true historian, while holding a senior administrative position, understood his duty to his country as protection of the interests of science and the principles of university autonomy and serving education.