The Educational Potential of Latin-Language Mottos of the Departments of the National University of Pharmacy

Abstract

The article analyses Latin mottos used on the emblems of the departments of the National University of Pharmacy as a component of academic symbolism and as an instrument for shaping the professional identity of students in higher pharmaceutical education. It is emphasized that such mottos perform not only decorative or identification functions but also act as carriers of value orientations associated with the humanistic, ethical and professional foundations of pharmaceutical practice. The purpose of the article is to explore the origins, semantics and educational potential of Latin mottos of academic departments and to determine their role in constructing the cultural and educational environment of the university and in forming the professional self-awareness of future pharmacists. The methodological framework includes descriptive and historical-cultural approaches, semantic analysis of aphoristic expressions, and pedagogical interpretation of the educational potential of Latin mottos. The article characterizes the semantic content of the most widespread mottos (Sapere aude, Nosce te ipsum, Salus populi suprema lex esto, Scientia potentia est, Natura sanat, Alta petunt, Futurum cum technologia, Docendo discimus), identifies their origin, worldview dominants and pedagogical interpretation in the context of pharmaceutical training. It has been established that Latin mottos convey such core values as intellectual autonomy, scientific evidence, ethical responsibility, service to society, innovativeness and ecological thinking. Their symbolic presence in the educational environment contributes to the formation of students’ professional self-awareness, ensures continuity with the European scientific tradition and reinforces the humanistic dimension of pharmaceutical education. Latin mottos used by the departments of the National University of Pharmacy constitute an important component of university symbolic communication and educational influence. They shape the value foundations of future pharmaceutical professionals, strengthen the academic identity of the university and function as cultural markers that connect modern pharmaceutical education with the European intellectual tradition.