The article summarizes the results of the analysis of quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the dynamics of scientific knowledge about the phenomenon of understanding based on dissertation research in pedagogy, psychology, philosophy, and language theory, which were submitted for defense from 1980 to 2024. The article identifies the features of the dynamics of scientific knowledge about understanding over time and identifies key areas of research in this field. The article also clarifies the concept of a contextual approach that links understanding with reflection and thinking. The results obtained allow us to identify the main trends and gaps in the study of the phenomenon of understanding, which can contribute to the planning of dissertation topics, the coordination of defenses, and the orientation in the development trends of the humanities and social sciences.
knowledge dynamics; dissertation, defense; context, understanding; reflection and thinking.