PHILOSOPHICAL AND LEGAL ANALYSIS OF CHARITY

The article analyzes charity and charitable activities from the standpoint of philosophical and legal understanding as the most important manifestation of spirituality and culture of mankind, and also characterization of individuals with high emotional and moral qualities, compassion, mercy, responsibility, care, and love for their neighbors. It is established that in modern Ukrainian society, charity is manifested in the forms of volunteerism, patronage, and assistance to the needy, and is an important and necessary social institution, as it testifies to the functioning of a welfare state with a humanistic component. Historical experience shows that charity, as an activity of individual groups or individuals, emerged a long time ago and gradually transformed into an important social activity and institution of the state. Therefore, this category should be considered more broadly, taking into account the contribution to the social sphere of individual entities, charitable organizations, and foundations. It is stated that charity as a socially important and useful activity should be aimed at strengthening social unity, affirming universally recognized values, and building a humane society which unites to solve common problems. The anthropological paradigm underlying humanism emphasizes the importance of charity as an activity for society and the development of the benefactor’s personality, and the philosophical and legal analysis of this category makes it possible to delve into the essence of the human personality, analyze the motives of charitable activities and consider charity not only as providing material assistance to those in need. Given that charitable activity is a measure of spirituality and should correspond to the moral qualities of the benefactor, it is worth considering the axiological component in the basis of charity, defining the value basis in charitable activity. The author emphasizes that in modern society, in the course of social transformations, charity acquires new features and significance, loses its meaning and its deep purpose, which can lead to regression as it poses a threat to society, the State, and the established principles defined by international law.