Origins of the concept of «closed» and «open» society in the work of A.Bergeson «Two sources of morality and religion»

Abstract

The article is devoted to the ideas of «open» and «closed» society, which appear in the A.Berhson «The two sources of morality and religion». Mechanisms of transformation of society from one form to another were analyzed, their mutual influence and the role they play in the development of human society were pointed on. Dichotomy between the mind and the instinct in the existence of human communities and the basic principles underlying their formation were followed. It is in the human mind that A.Bergson saw the creative and intuitive potential that allows a person to transform his society into new forms, to modify their tools and to respond to changing living conditions. The ability of a person to go beyond innate life and adapt in the new conditions is what distinguishes closed, constant and immutable natural societies from those that are open to progressive life.