Anthony Giddens and civilizational analysis: modernity between reflexivity and culture

Based on the critical reconstruction of diagnosis modernity by A. Giddens, article traces logic transition from institutional to civilizational approach in sociological discourse “modernity”. The analysis focuses problem relationship between culture and reflexivity. In Giddens’ theory radical modernity, reflexivity is opposed culture, which identified with tradition. According multiple modernities that are genetically related paradigm analysis, tradition correlated as two aspects characterized aspirations, one hand, reproduction interpretive foundations set a general context meaning, and, other, trans-contextual breakthroughs open up new horizons meaning. Both tendencies irreparable tension themselves mediated capacity rationalization, during self-articulation turns into its self-problematization. combination rationality leads cultural innovation interpretative shifts at least, potentially crystallizations, allowing higher levels self-problematization (J. P. Arnason). different historical patterns, ability rationalize receives an uneven specific development. Modernity “distinct civilization” (S. N. Eisenstadt), towards conflicting directions reach level unprecedented human history, giving rise configurations social life intertwined relatively autonomous dynamics power wealth. Although Giddens did not make “civilizational turn” his work, closed formulating conjugation power, key for sociology. However, same problematic also marked limit understanding theory; he recognized incomprehensibility world was institutionalized. His further path utopian modeling political implementation future post-modern world, rather than scientific modernity.