Norbert Elias in knowledge design: the possibilities of research of social

Abstract

The paper is devoted to the analysis of the Norbert Elias' theory through optics the paradigmal and methodological opportunities of sociology of knowledge. The concept of a civilization is analyzed as the concept of formation of the adult whereas the concept of the adult (and contradictoral concept of child) is considered as ontologic, historical and relative, contrary to his dominating consideration as absolute and extrahistorical. The author argues an opportunity and relevance of expansion of space of application both Elias’s theory, and categorial couple «adult – child» for a research of social, and also appreciably knowledge nature of the concept output with this way. Thereby adult and child becomes subject of sociology of knowledge consideration and, moreover, - the important instrument of conceptualization of social and, in particular, of the instance constituting it, namely the Third.