Institutions as the forces stabilizing state. Contemporary look at Arnold Gehlen's theory of institutions

Abstract

Gehlen's theory of institutions shows how thinking about the further prospect of human activities can create the base for constructing institutions. Strong and stable institutions provide social support to the activities of individuals. A man without institution is not able to arouse the motivation for action-oriented ideal. What's more man without the institutions does not know who he is. People needs mediation to understand themselves and that can be provided by the institutions. The necessity of institutions is shown by presenting the chaos that can destroyed lives when they are weakened or liquidated. Gehlen's thesis is clear - without a permanent institutions and without preserving tradition - a true and stable state order is not possible. When system developed for generations stops working, individuals begin to behave in a selfish way, follow only by personal pleasure and potential profit. Nowadays, when state became the subject of an attack by society, the question arises: is it able to become one more time a guard of social order and the embodiment of political virtues? Gehlen's theory of institutions can provide a starting point for discussion of changes that need to be taken to restore the real possibility of political order in the country.