This monograph presents the basic concepts that make up the core research program of the Nizhny Novgorod methodological school developed in 70-80 years of the XX century in the framework of Nizhny Novgorod philosophy club, which has withstood the test of time. In following years of the activities of the club, these concepts were modified, without substantial change in their core. The concepts presented in this work has methodological value to study and design society."Hard core" program includes: 1) the concept of the eight basic genuses of activity; 2) the concept of the eight components of the activity; 3) the concept of the six principles of design; 4) the concept of the six types of worldview;5) the concept of basic functions of each genus of activity; 6) the concept of the basic spheres of social life; 7) the concept of normativity activity.These concepts are built using the method of classification of the subject area research based on the dialectical principle of polarization. The monograph is addressed to philosophers, sociologists, specialists in cultural studies, and anyone interested in the issues of methodology of social research and design.