Manifestation of Altruism in the Context of Modern Social Challenges: New Aspects and Trends

B a c k g r o u n d . The article is devoted to the study of new qualitative characteristics of altruism in the context of modern challenges in the social reality of the twenty-first century. New social aspects and trends in altruism are highlighted and the method of social design as a way to implement them is analysed. M e t h o d s . The study used a range of scientific methods and approaches, in particular, a systematic approach, historical-analytical and hermeneutical methods, the method of expert assessments, statistical analysis and the method of comparative characteristics, as well as the method of generalisation of the results. R e s u l t s . The author analyses the social challenges of the XXI century and manifestations of altruism in the modern social space: mass selfless mutual assistance and empathy in extreme situations (military conflicts, man-made disasters, terrorist acts, etc.) and the volunteer movement; social and educational inclusion of people with psychophysical disabilities; gestures of goodwill in donation, transplantation and surrogacy. The author focuses on the motivation for altruism, the risks and legal regulation of its new aspects and trends. C o n c l u s i o n s . It is proved that such activities always have signs of altruism in a new manifestation, often volunteer and other social movements, NGOs and individual assistance. The most effective form of assistance in today's reality is social design, which, as a theory, requires scientific substantiation, research into global practices, and the acquisition of relevant competencies for altruistic charity in new areas of the social sphere.