External analog models in social cognition: causes, typology, prospects for application[Внешние Аналоговые Модели В Социальном Познании: Причины Возникновения, Типология, Перспективы Использования]

The paper evaluates the role of external analog models in the humanities, in cognizing the society. The author shows the reasons for the appearance of such structures. The author clarifies the definition of this concept. The demarcation of external and internal analog models generated by social knowledge itself is carried out. The paper reveals natural sciences and theoretical constructs from which geology, geography, physics, and biology are extrapolated to the humanities. The paper demonstrates the strengths and weaknesses of external analog models that have been elicited in the course of their practical application for studying man and society. It is concluded that to be used in social cognition the external analog models should necessarily be categorically and methodologically tested. It is stated that searching for external analog models that have come to social cognition from natural sciences is not limited to those given in the work and should be continued. The article is addressed to philosophers, historians, sociologists, and other specialists interested in the problems of modeling in the humanities.