This article analyzes the content and essence of the phenomenon of historical and cultural thinking from philosophical, psychological, and pedagogical perspectives. It examines the interrelationship between historical memory, cultural heritage, social experience, national identity, and critical thinking. Furthermore, it substantiates the role of historical and cultural thinking in shaping an individual’s worldview and spiritual development, as well as the mechanisms underlying its formation and the opportunities for fostering it within the educational process. Particular attention is paid to the potential of literary works to develop students’ skills in understanding historical realities, comparing the cultures of different historical periods, evaluating characters’ actions in relation to their socio-historical contexts, and drawing independent conclusions.
historical and cultural thinking
historical consciousness
cultural memory
philosophical thinking
psychological development
pedagogical approach
cultural heritage
fiction
critical thinking
national identity.