Author(s)

Hanzhang Xia

Corresponding Author

Hanzhang Xia

Abstract

Since the early 1980s, it has been increasingly clear how important the ideal of functional systems is for the theory of society. This had already been a fundamental consideration in Talcott Parson’s functionalism theory. Yet if we concede that society cannot be deduced from a principle or a basic norm, the theoretical importance of the system enlarges itself. In this essay, I probe into different theories proposed by Max Weber and Charles Taylor on the construct of belief systems. I will first discuss Weber’s statements about the polynary structure of a system, introducing its origin, form, manifestation, and goal. I will then elaborate on the difference between two crucial aspects of the political system and academic life. Finally, I will move on to Taylor’s form of belief system and the conflicts within the system. At the end of the article, I forward the differences between Weber and Taylor’s belief systems caused by age differences to highlight the commonality proposed in both theories.

Keywords

Social theory, Weber study, Functionalism, Social system