Fractal modeling center: the development of tools for the study of social phenomena

The paper is dedicated to the development of research tools for modeling historical events and processes. The authors describe the software, theoretical approaches and techniques, as well as some heuristic difficulties and innovations arising from the adoption of new modeling tools in Social Sciences. Main attention is paid to the research of the Fractal Modeling Center of Tambov State University. The studies involve the use of methods of fractal geometry to simulate mental, demographic, historical and ecological processes, the dynamics of socio-political structures. According to the authors, fractal model can detect regularity and harmonious order in chaotic systems. The paper presents some information on fractal transition model created by the authors and on the concept of "turbulent modernization". The authors analyze the prospects of using the theory of self-organized criticality in the study of social phenomena and processes and demonstrate the possibility of integration of mathematical methods and synergetic views into the studies in Social Sciences and the Humanities by using simulation models as a kind of "heuristic machine" to formulate hypotheses and to identify potential and development alternatives.