PHENOMENON OF FREEDOM AS A VALUE-MENTAL BASIS OF UKRAINIAN CULTURE

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the essence of Ukrainian freedom as one of the key value orientations of man in the world. It is shown that freedom is not only a political and legal phenomenon, but also a deep spiritual and cultural archetype that defines the Ukrainian mentality. The historical, philosophical, psychological and cultural dimensions of the concept of freedom are revealed, its evolution from the traditions of veche self-government to modern democratic society is traced.The values of life and freedom, equality and justice, given by the fact of a person’s birth, ensure his interaction with society, which is a condition for future capacity for action, social and spiritual formation, to realize the opportunity to be a person of his century and time. The problem of these values as basic guidelines for a person to the world is that each historical era gives these values its own axiological interpretation.It has been studied that the ideal of Ukrainian freedom is associated with the desire for freedom, which is not only a legal right to choose and act, but also a fundamental value, which means being oneself, having the opportunity to develop freely, and also to act autonomously and without external coercion. This phenomenon reflects resilience in the face of everyday challenges and corresponds to Ukrainian culture, which values self-determination and independence.It has been proven that for the Ukrainian people, freedom has always been not only an idea, but also a way of life, a spiritual core and a driver of historical development. It was manifested in the struggle for independence, in the desire for self-government, in folk morality and folklore. In view of this, the study of the phenomenon of freedom as a value- mental basis of Ukrainian culture has not only theoretical, but also practical significance – especially in the context of modern challenges of war, democratic transformations and the civilizational choice of Ukraine. Unlike imperial cultures, where collective obedience prevails, Ukrainian identity is built on the freedom of individuality. This is its democratic and humanistic nature.