Agency and Freedom in Neo-Functionalist Action

782 SOCIAL RESEARCH

factors constitutes the possibility aesthetic experience. Munch writes:

A correct understanding of Talcott P from the assumption of a fundam structure and method between the t critical philosophy .... The Parsoni problem of social order . . . lies ins interpénétration of distinct subsyste interpénétration is a derivative of philosophy.17 According to Kant, the man sense impressions can turn int objective knowledge through the tal forms of intuition and cate Similarly, the condition of the poss action is the interpénétration of t imperatives (law of duty) and th inclinations and the empirical co Kant rejected philosophical utilit Parsons rejected sociological utilita existence of a common normative s constraining space for the ratio action. Consequently, specific agree with the logic of efficiency of the legitimate possible altern their choice of both means and ends of the action.18

The Conservative Cast: The Reduction of Freedom to Order

The foregoing analysis made it clear that Parsons's explica- tion of multidimensional theory of action and rationality

17 Richard Munch, "Talcott Parsons and the Theory of Action I," American Journal of Sociology 86 (1981): 709. 10 Ibid., pp. 709-739.

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