Lyadneva A. The phenomenon of charity as an indicator of socio-cultural situation of the community

The research focuses on the phenomenon of charity as a key indicator of socio-cultural situation of the community and human situation in society in general. Using a comparative analysis to define the essence of charity and charitable practices inherent in social relations at various stages of existence and development of society, the author reflects on the peculiarities of the system of interaction between members of the community in various forms of social life, including the welfare-state and society of active participation framework. In the course of the research the author also pays great attention to the analysis of motivational sphere of charitable activity. Consequently, it is established that modern man often tends to substitute real motives of one's own activity by false arguments aimed at justifying certain actions. Therefore, hypocrisy and cynicism have become the norm of social life and human behavior, charitable activity including. Finally, the research substantiates the efficiency of the idea of creating such moral paradigm of charity, which, on one hand, would be based on the principles of mutual understanding and recognition, including existential uniqueness and, on the other, would concern the interests and intentions of all participants in charitable activity, including benefactor, beneficiary and society, especially in the transition from public "consumption" to public "participation". The research accentuates the strategic importance of critical thinking of the interferences within charitable activity in which all participants of the interaction share the same responsibility.