In the context of philosophical and legal knowledge in the article the definition of “civil society” is proposed and systematized known scientific approaches to understanding his appointed term. The basis of the article put research leading philosophers and authors' own attitudes and opinions on issues of research.
The article determined based on an analysis of significant sources, leading model of civil society. The theoretical justification, we show them the features of relationship between man and the state. Proved that the state exists for society, not vice versa and, indeed, the separation of state and civil society is one of the main characteristics of a democratic form of government, and shall further exemption from the state dictates. It is shown that the idea of civil society is one of the most valuable achievements of world political and legal thought.
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the concept of civil society as a political and legal phenomenon. The analysis of source material that characterizes the process of development of the views of civil society in Ukraine. The evolution of the concept of civil society in the works of Ukrainian thinkers, including S. Orzechowski–Roxolan, M. Kostomarov, М. Drahomanov, І. Franko et al. The peculiarities of the concept of civil society context. XIX – beg. XX century. in the works of prominent Ukrainian figures.