Toward a general theory of action : theoretical foundations for the social sciences / Talcott Parsons & Edward A. Shils ; with a new introduction by Neil J. Smelser.
| Author/creator | Parsons, Talcott |
| Other author | Shils, Edward, 1910-1995. |
| Other author | Smelser, Neil J. |
| Format | Book |
| Edition | Abridged ed. |
| Publication Info | New Brunswick, NJ : Transaction Publishers, ©2001. |
| Description | xxiv, 282 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm. |
| Supplemental Content | Table of contents |
| Supplemental Content | Table of contents |
| Supplemental Content | Table of contents |
| Subjects |
| Series | Social science classics Social science classics series. ^A654765 |
| Contents | The General Theory of Action -- Some Fundamental Categories of the Theory of Action: A General Statement / Talcott Parsons, Edward A Shils, Gordon W. Allport, Clyde Kluckhohn, Henry A. Murray, Robert R. Sears, Richard C. Sheldon, Samuel A. Stouffer, Edward C. Tolman -- The frame of reference of the theory of action -- Some fundamentals of behaviour psychology -- Interaction and the development of personality -- Cultural aspects of action systems -- The social system. A note on the place of economic theory and political theory in the general theory of action -- Some Observations on Theory in the Social Sciences / Richard C. Sheldon -- Values, Motives, and Systems of Action / Talcott Parsons, Edward A. Shils, James Olds -- Categories of the Orientation and Organization of Action -- Action and its orientation -- Components of the frame of reference of the theory of action -- Commentary on the frame of reference -- Classification of objects -- Orientation to the situation -- Dilemmas of orientation and the pattern variables -- The definition of pattern variables -- The interrelations of the pattern variables -- Classification of need-dispositions and role-expectations -- Classification of components of the object situation -- The basic structure of the interactive relationship -- The concept of system and the classification of types of systems -- Personality as a System of Action -- Motivational concepts -- Need-dispositions -- Functional prerequisites of the personality system -- Learning processes and performance processes -- The mechanisms. |
| Abstract | "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."--Back cover. |
| General note | Includes index. |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references and index. |
| LCCN | 00055200 |
| ISBN | 0765807181 (pbk. ; alk. paper) |
| ISBN | 9780765807182 (pbk. ; alk. paper) |
Availability
| Library | Location | Call Number | Status | Item Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joyner | General Stacks | HM484 .T68 2001 | ✔ Available | Place Hold |