The theory of human behavior in its individual and social aspects: Term paper philosophy III Dec 19, 1922

The basis for a theory of ethics is a general conception of behavior. To understand the relationship between an individual & the surrounding environment, it is contended that the nature of individual human beings must be learned while considering the roles of various organizations in determining...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The American sociologist 1996-12, Vol.27 (4), p.13-23
Main Author: Parsons, Talcott
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Behaviorism
Human Nature
Social Behavior
Sociological Theory
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:The basis for a theory of ethics is a general conception of behavior. To understand the relationship between an individual & the surrounding environment, it is contended that the nature of individual human beings must be learned while considering the roles of various organizations in determining the individual's behavior. Supporting psychoanalytic theory that organizes human behavior into complexes of habit, the dynamic relationship between the power of social institutions to contain the activities of individual members & the ability of individuals to perpetuate change within the social institutions is fundamental to understanding human behavior. The theories of convergence & diffusion are examined; noting the presence of multicultural societies & the global extension of commercial enterprise, it is argued that the significance of the theory of diffusion has augmented in modern civilization. Geographical & climate differences & heredity & racial differences also have substantial influences on culture & human behavior. J. W. Parker
ISSN:0003-1232
1936-4784
DOI:10.1007/BF02692048