The philosophy of social insurance as a response to the moral challenges of society

Abstract

In the context of increasing social vulnerability, institutional distrust, and the moral fragmentation of society, social insurance acquires renewed significance—not only as an economic and legal mechanism, but also as a means of realizing the values of justice, solidarity, and social responsibility. Transformations in the Ukrainian social environment, caused by war, economic instability, and demographic challenges, call for a deeper philosophical understanding of social protection systems. The objective of this study is to provide an interdisciplinary understanding of social insurance as a philosophical, ethical, historical, psychological, and social phenomenon. The research methodology of the study combines historical analysis, philosophical and ethical reflection, legal source examination, and psychological mechanism analysis. Elements of comparative analysis, the historical-genetic method, and conceptual approaches of social philosophy and philosophy of law are employed. Results. The study analyzes the evolution of social insurance from early religious practices to contemporary systems and reveals the influence of religion, philosophy, and psychology on shaping societal perceptions of insurance mechanisms. Key moral conflicts related to resource redistribution, individual autonomy, and dependency on state support are identified. Particular attention is given to maritime insurance as an example of international social ethics. Conclusions. It is demonstrated that social insurance is not merely a technical tool but a deeply rooted moral institution reflecting the level of a society’s social maturity. It is argued that incorporating philosophical and ethical foundations can enhance the understanding of social insurance and contribute to developing a more effective model of social protection within the Ukrainian context. Future research will explore the role of trust and interpersonal responsibility in building an effective system of social insurance under conditions of social transformation in Ukraine.