Toward a General Theory of Action by Talcott Parsons

Toward a General Theory of Action by Talcott Parsons

This new edition introduces the social science audiences of a new century to one of the classic highlights of the mid-twentieth century. This is the most general statement of the general theory of action as it was developed by its principle exponent, Talcott Parsons, and his close collaborators who formed the core of the fabled department of social relations at Harvard University. Toward a General Theory of Action is an extremely ambitious formulation of the ingredients, dimensions, and ranges that determine human behavior. Parsons and Shils enunciate principles that are at the core of contemporary social science preoccupations-including the precarious balance between social integration and conflict. The volume is at once universal in intent and highly personal, an expression of Parsons' thought, one of the most notable sociological theorists of the century. Finally, the book symbolizes the interdisciplinary impulse that typified a widespread belief in the unity of the sciences. This edition includes the collaborative group's introductory statement, Richard Sheldon's essay on the theoretical and philosophical status of the general theory of action, and "Values, Motives and Systems of Action" by Parsons and Shils. Guy Swanson, writing in the The American Sociological Review, noted that "Parsons and Shils have performed a major service in clearing away many old controversies, in showing the reasonableness of a behavioral foundation for general theory in social science as a whole and in sociology in particular, in clarifying the interrelations among many concepts, and in the insightful interpretation of particular pieces of data." It is testimony to this book's continuing significance that it continues to generate new lines of research and writings.

Talcott Parsons (1902-1979) was a contentious and renowned twentieth-century sociology thinker. For forty-five years, he was a member of the Harvard University faculty. On the basis of voluntarism and analytical realism, he established the notion of action theory. He is also credited with introducing Max Weber's work to the United States. The Structure of Social Activity, The System of Modern Societies, and Politics and Social Structure are only a few of his many writings.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780765807182
ISBN 10	0765807181
Title	Toward a General Theory of Action
Author	Talcott Parsons
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Taylor & Francis Inc
Year published	2001-01-31
Number of pages	306
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
Note	Unavailable