The structure of social action : a study in social theory with special reference to a group of recent European writers / Talcott Parsons.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 777-793)

Introductory -- The theory of action -- Some phases of the historical development of individualistic positivism in the theory of action -- Alfred Marshall : wants and activities and the problem of the scope of economics -- Vilfredo Pareto, I : the methodology and main analytical scheme -- Vilfredo Pareto, II : extension and verification of the structural analysis -- Vilfredo Pareto, III : empirical generalizations and conclusions -- Émile Durkheim, I : early empirical work -- Émile Durkheim, II : the methodology of sociologistic positivism -- Émile Durkheim, III : the development of the theory of social control -- Émile Durkheim, IV : the final phase : religion and epistemology -- Summary of part II : the breakdown of the positivistic theory of action -- The idealistic tradition -- Max Weber, I : religion and modern capitalism, A. Protestantism and capitalism -- Max Weber, II : religion and modern capitalism (continued), B. The comparative studies -- Max Weber, III : methodology -- Max Weber, IV : systematic theory -- Empirically verified conclusions -- Tentative methodological implications.