ИСТИНА

Section 96: Social Philosophy Traditions and Social Change Alexey V. Sokolov, Russia Lomonosov Moscow State University avs1954@mail.ru Abstract The conception of tradition as stable succession, opposed to any novelties is rooted in common thinking. However, such conception is simplified. There are different types of traditions characterized by different relations to novelties. The essence of stabilizing traditions is to keep some heritage immutable. Key elements of traditions are values. In relation to values one can divide traditions into reflective, whose subject realizes values, and unreflective ones. Though directed to preserve the social order stabilizing traditions make some change, because it is impossible to transfer any heritage intact. By recombination of heritage stabilizing traditions adapt to varying social conditions. But once any stabilizing tradition terminate. Main reason for this traditions discontinuity is revision of values, that determine an attitude to heritage – devaluation during crises. However, crisis is birthtime for a new kind of traditions – transforming. They are always reflective. The subject of transforming tradition treats its heritage selectively. Basing on some new or re-valued old values founder of a tradition forms new or reforms old heritage. It often happens that to implant a new transforming tradition it is represented as a restored ancient one. If a transforming tradition is fated to root and expand it turns into stabilizing tradition.