Date: Mon, 08 Mar 1999 11:25:59 -0500
From: Douglas Porpora <porporad-AT-drexel.edu>
Subject: BHA: Causal powers of structures


Hi Caroline and everyone,

In response to your question, I'm still here lurking, trying to keep on top
of things.  I think you and Martha did a great job distinguishing the two
kinds of structure, and I have nothing to add to that.

I would argue, however, that current, relational structures are not just a
residue of the past.  They are also a continuous emanation of currently
operative consitutive rules.  So, for example, capitalist relations of
production are not just built from past actions.  They continue to operate
today because we continue today to honor the capitalist rules of property
ownership that generate them.  If we changed the rules we would change the
structure.

Apropos of dialectics, I think there is a real dialectic between
(constitutive) rules and relational structures.  The rules generate
structures and those positioned differently within those structures
struggle "agentically" (a word, Martha, I use just for you because, as
Glenn will tell you, I hate it too) to produce new rules and hence new
structures.  So there is a triad of determinants:  rules, structures, and
agents that are all in a dialectical interplay with each other over time.

That's my two cents.  Thanks for asking for it, Caroline.

doug

doug porpora
Department of Psychology and Sociology
Drexel University
Phila PA
(215) 895-2404

porporad-AT-drexel.edu



     --- from list bhaskar-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu ---