Scientific and technological progress in the context of the global evolutionism’s theory

Globalization is the defining trend in the development of modern society. In the article, the authors analyze the specifics of the aggravation of contemporary global contradictions in society from the standpoint of the global evolutionism’s theory. The stages of transformation of evolutionary ideas in philosophy, humanities, sciences are considered, possibilities of distribution of positions of the theory of global evolutionism and on sphere of scientific and technical knowledge are estimated. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the consequences of accelerating scientific and technological progress on man, society and the natural environment. Modern civilization has almost reached the limit of its development. Accordingly, one should be more cautious about the introduction of potentially dangerous scientific discoveries and technologies for mankind. Acceleration of scientific and technological progress in the era of aggravation of global problems of our time can have both a positive impact on the dynamics of development of civilization, and it’s sharply negative. The article states that the beginning of the era of globalization marks a new fateful stage in the development of society and can become for humanity the second «axial time» of civilization (according to K. Jaspers). In this regard, the authors argue the need to develop special criteria for a better analysis of the possible consequences of further accelerating scientific and technological progress. The article is asserted that at the present stage of society’s development is the main task of science to ensure the conditions for the stability of the existence of mankind. The conclusion is made that in the era of the second «axial time», more careful control over the “technosphere” is needed. It is proposed to introduce a moratorium on the development of such technical means, the use of which could threaten the existence of mankind and the biosphere. The international community needs to make serious efforts to ensure the security of not only the current, but also future generations.