The phenomenon of corruption in Ukrainian society: A philosophical analysis of ethical challenges and ways to overcome them

The aim of the study is a philosophical analysis of corruption in Ukrainian society, focusing on the ethical challenges it poses and exploring ways to overcome this phenomenon based on moral principles. The article examines the cultural, social, and institutional factors contributing to tolerance towards corruption, as well as philosophical approaches to addressing it. The study employs methods of critical analysis of philosophical concepts by John Rawls, Immanuel Kant, Jürgen Habermas, and Albert Camus, particularly in the areas of justice, moral responsibility, and communicative ethics. Additionally, the author draws on empirical research on organizational culture, examining the influence of institutional norms on the spread of corrupt practices. The results of the study show that corruption creates complex moral dilemmas for citizens and undermines trust in state institutions. Cultural and social factors, such as paternalism and informal networks, contribute to the persistence of corrupt practices. The author proposes philosophical pathways to combating corruption by revisiting the social contract based on justice, establishing new ethical standards in civic dialogue, and changing organizational culture. The scientific novelty of the article lies in its comprehensive philosophical analysis of corruption, considering cultural and social aspects, which significantly enhance the understanding of this issue in the Ukrainian context. The theoretical significance of the work is in expanding philosophical notions of moral responsibility and justice in corrupt societies. The practical significance of the research is its potential application of the proposed ethical approaches to shaping new institutional standards and altering societal behavior.