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Purpose and rationality in the theory of action: Max Weber, Talcott Parsons and an outline of an alternative
Horák, Vít ; Balon, Jan (advisor) ; Urban, Jan (referee)
Submitted thesis examines the role of the notion of end (purpose) in the theory of action and how reaching an end can be considered as rational. Underlying motive is an intuition of the Frankfurt school that identified modern society as irationally rational. By supplementing the notion of end with a dimension of its latitude - the spectrum of possibilities that are open for an action - I try to diferentiate it and enable a multi-dimensional conception of purposeful action in which creative and reactive aspects of an action can be separated. Inside this conception I try to make the abovementioned oxymóron intelligible without relying on moral maxims to which would be the action subordinated. To the this goal I progress from a discussion of the hermeneutical metatheoretical principles through a critical analysis of Weber's and Parsons' theory of action. I go through Weber's concept of understanding (verstehende) sociology, the question of access into the perspective of others, the notion of meaning (purpose), end, and rationality and Parsons' discussion of the possibilitties of analytical theory in sociology and the concept of "unit act".

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