Agency and Freedom in Neo-Functionalist Action

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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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