Vergun D. Sociocultural contexts of designing and functioning of image concept

The dissertation thesis is devoted to philosophical research of image concept. The image is suggested to be viewed as a holistic, quality identified image of specified object which consistently exists and is reproduced in the public or the individual consciousness. Historical and philosophical retrospective reveals the process of formation of theoretical concept of image as a reflection of social and practical changes in perceptions of the image of man and its social significance. Modern philosophy provides image socio-psychological content that is shown in the complex and problematic self-identity, self-identification, self-transcendence and responsibility of person. Image in social aspect is a mean of regulating the subject-object relationship, which is highlighted under the issue of public leadership, manipulation of consciousness and so on. The thesis examines the creation and translation of the international image of the country carried out as the presentation of its reputation status through conscious use of social and political resources and political technologies, as well as the problem of formation of a positive international image of Ukraine.