Conceptualization of the notion of “institution” within the modern socio-philosophical discourse

This work explores current state of the conceptual framework of social philosophy. The object of this research is the phenomenon of a social institution. The subject is the conceptualization of the notion of “institution” within the modern socio-philosophical discourse. Institutions are perceived by the authors as specific social establishments. Considering the pragmatism of the modern social philosophy, the authors focus on the functional elucidation of institutions, giving grounds for instrumental classification, as well as presenting essential features from the position of the functions they carry out. The authors’ contribution into the research of this topic is the thesis on the need for continuous research of institutions in light of their dynamic nature and the social transformations accompanying the functionality of this phenomenon. This article presents an original concept of an institution, which takes into consideration its characteristics as a structure that provides vital function for any society: historism, collective activity of people, and sustainability.