This systematic analysis of the nature and development of Talcott Parson's theory of action offers first an introduction to the conceptual paradigm upon which this theory is based - an introduction, that is, which will make Parson's writing more easily accessible. Second, the book gives an explanation of the development which the action theory has undergone during the half-century of Parson's career. Using a scheme of four theory-levels, the author indicates the crucial premises that can be distilled from Parson's early works. He argues that Parsons, from the very start of his career, was...