LEGAL AND CONCEPTUAL DIFFERENTIATION OF THE TERMS «SCIENTIST» AND «SCHOLAR» IN THE CONTEXT OF MODERN SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL ACTIVITIES

Abstract

Problem setting. In the Ukrainian scientific space, the issue of differentiating the concepts of “scientist” and “scholar” gains particular significance due to the peculiarities of legal regulation, societal perception of science, and the systemic impact of scientific and technical activities on the country’s economy and development. These two terms are often used synonymously; however, their conceptual differences have important implications for regulating labor relations, grant policies, and the status of scientific workers. In Ukrainian legislation, particularly in the Law of Ukraine “On Scientific and Scientific-Technical Activities,” the term “scientist” is used as a general concept for individuals engaged in scientific research, while “scholar” is more often associated with scientific degrees, titles, and academic status. The problem is particularly relevant for Ukraine due to the low level of funding for science, brain drain, and the ambiguous public attitude towards the role of science in the modern world. The lack of clear delineation between these concepts in the legal and professional spheres complicates the formation of a national strategy for the development of science, as well as the establishment of clear criteria for supporting specific categories of scientific workers. For example, in the international context, there is often a clear distinction between researchers, who engage in applied or experimental studies, and scientists, who primarily work in fundamental research. In Ukraine, this issue remains unresolved and requires both legal and societal discussion. Analysis of recent research and publications in the field of legal and conceptual differentiation of the terms “scientist” and “scholar” in the context of contemporary scientific and technical activities indicates that these issues are actively explored at both international and national levels. In particular, scholars such as P. Robert and A. Rey have focused on the linguistic and legal aspects of these terms in the context of science and technology, investigating the evolution of the concepts of “scientist” and “scholar” in historical and legal contexts. Other researchers, including Duden, have addressed the legal definitions and regulations concerning academic and scientific activities in various countries, and their interconnections with legislation. Overall, it can be concluded that international research is primarily focused on the legal and linguistic differentiation of the concepts of “scientist” and “scholar,” which contributes to a clearer understanding of their roles in contemporary scientific and technical activities at the international level. Purpose of research is to investigate the legal and conceptual differentiation of the terms “scientist” and “scholar” in the context of modern scientific and technical activities, emphasizing their legal regulation and impact on the development of science and technology in Ukraine and beyond. Article’s main body. The differentiation between the terms “scientist” and “researcher” remains a subject of ongoing discussion in both linguistic and legal contexts. While in Ukrainian, the term “вчений” (scientist) originates from the root “вч,” historically associated with knowledge and learning, “науковець” (researcher) is a more recent formation that reflects the professional and functional nature of scientific activity [1]. In the global context, different languages and legal systems approach this distinction with varying degrees of specificity. In English, the terms “scientist” and “researcher” are distinguished based on their scope of application. “Scientist” typically refers to individuals engaged in natural or technical sciences, emphasizing expertise within a particular field. Conversely, “researcher” is a broader term that includes individuals conducting studies across various disciplines, regardless of their level of academic recognition. This approach ensures inclusivity, covering doctoral candidates, earlycareer researchers, and professionals involved in applied research. French terminology exhibits a similar distinction, where “scientifique” encompasses both meanings but requires additional clarifications to define an individual’s role. “Chercheur” corresponds to “researcher” and applies to anyone involved in research activities, irrespective of their scientific domain. Furthermore, hierarchical distinctions such as “professeur” or “directeur de recherche” indicate specific academic or research statuses, demonstrating the French system’s tendency toward contextualizing terms based on professional recognition. Conclusions and prospects for development. The differentiation of terms related to scientific and research activities plays a crucial role in legal and academic discourse. The linguistic and legal distinctions between “scientist” and “researcher” not only reflect cultural and historical differences but also impact the regulatory framework governing scientific work. Future research should focus on standardizing these definitions across international legislation to ensure clarity in scientific and academic communications. Additionally, further comparative legal studies could contribute to refining terminology, enhancing cooperation between researchers and policymakers on a global scale.