Philosophy and the Fundamentals of Academic Integrity: Guest Lecture for First-Year TNMU Students of the “Medicine” Program

As part of the study of the educational component “Philosophy and the Fundamentals of Academic Integrity” by first-year students of I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, the academic staff of the Department of Higher Education Pedagogy and Social Sciences launched a series of guest lectures on the topic “Fundamentals of Academic Integrity.”

On October 2, 2025, within this initiative, a guest lecture was held for students enrolled in the educational and professional program “Medicine” of the second (Master’s) level of higher education, field of knowledge “Health Care and Social Welfare,” specialty 222 “Medicine” (first-year students, second group). The event was also attended by lecturers of the Department of Higher Education Pedagogy and Social Sciences of TNMU.

The lecture was delivered by Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor Liudmyla Petryshyn, Professor of the Department of Social Work and Social Pedagogy of Volodymyr Hnatiuk Ternopil National Pedagogical University.

Professor Petryshyn is the guarantor of the educational and professional program “Social Pedagogy” (Master’s level) in the specialty 011 Educational and Pedagogical Sciences, field of knowledge 01 Education/Pedagogy. She is also a member of the editorial board of the professional scientific journal “Medical Education” published by I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.

The topic of the meeting — “Academic Integrity and Culture in Educational Institutions” — was highly relevant, comprehensive, and profound in both its theoretical and practical dimensions.

The lecturer discussed the concept of academic integrity and outlined its primary purpose, emphasizing that academic integrity is essential for maintaining trust in the results of scientific research and educational achievements. Its overall goal is to ensure high standards of academic and scientific activity.

Professor Petryshyn highlighted that the concept of academic integrity encompasses not only the general corporate culture of a higher education institution but also the internal moral culture of each individual.

She stressed that violations of academic integrity include fabrication and falsification of results, bribery in the academic sphere, academic sabotage, academic fraud, and plagiarism.

To prevent academic dishonesty, several important approaches should be followed.
First, one must appeal to human dignity, self-respect, and respect for others.
Second, it is crucial to teach students academic culture and social responsibility, as well as conduct awareness campaigns about the importance of producing original work and respecting the intellectual property of others.
Third, institutions should continuously return to issues of academic culture and integrity by implementing a Code of Honor, which defines the ethical standards and behavioral principles of students, teachers, and staff within higher education institutions.