The ‘Study of Man and His Brain’ Longterm Comprehensive Program in Bulgaria (1984–1995): in Searching of ‘Harmoniously Developed Personality’

The article examines the ‘Study of Man and His Brain’ Long-term Comprehensive Program (1984–1995), aimed at activating neuroscience in Bulgaria and introducing a pattern for modern scientific research. The main aim of the study is to analyze whether and to what extent the Program represents an attempt by the late totalitarian regime to continue its previous projects (‘Bulgaria 1300’ and ‘Banner of Peace’ International Children’s Assembly) and to implement various utopias in the field of medicine, science, education, technology and management, and achieving of its aims. For this purpose, the motivation of various social actors in the establishment of the Program is examined, its structure and functioning are described, the results achieved in the fields of medicine, psychiatry, psychology, pedagogy, informatics, military affairs and cybernetics are analyzed. The effectiveness of the project is commented in comparison with similar activities on both sides of the Iron Curtain. The Program catalyzed reforming of health care and secondary education through transfer of knowledge, technique and technology from the Western Europe and the US, but it could not realize significant social utopias. Its significant impact is the consolidation of Bulgarian neuroscience. Keywords: utopia, social reformism, Neuroscience, totalitarian regime, Bulgaria