Extremism and scientific image of extremism: confrontation of ideological paradigms

Modern extremism in its manifestations tends to restore the transcendental foundations of the society in an attempt to overcome the uncertainty and instability of “institutionalized risk environments” (A. Giddens) of the modern society. At the same time it is often taken captive by fictitious ideas (simulacra) and re-invented metanarratives. Basing upon the analysis of the theoretical model of extremism created by German professor U. Backes, the article shows narrowness and limitedness of existing research methodology of extremism, as its foundation is one of the opposing positions - the paradigm of social nominalism.