FORERUNNERS OF THE LINEAR THEORY OF SOCIAL AND LEGAL PROGRESS

The origins and ideological prerequisites of the modern theory of social and legal progress of mankind are investigated. The ideas of ancient thinkers (Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Roman lawyers) about the social development and the special role of law in forming a perfect social world order are analysed. The author underlines the importance of Christianity in the development of the idea of social progress. The concepts of social progress of A. R. J. Turgot and J. A. Condorcet are considered in detail, their advantages and disadvantages are revealed.