Paper Summary:

In this paper, the author compares and contrasts structuralist and modernist philosophical theories. The first part of the analysis enumerates the similarities the theories have with each other, especially in terms of each theory's operational definitions, centering specifically on the role each theory has in the development of functionalism in the 20th century. The second part discusses the differences between structuralism and modernism, which is primarily based on the difference worldview that each tackles, in relation to modern human society.

From the Paper:

"An important characteristic that both structuralism and modernism share is that each theory was borne out of the emergence of the empirical, newly-modernized human society in the 20th century. Primarily described as the modern period, human society at this stage and period in history is known to be logical in its thinking and actions, a direct result of the era of objectivism and empiricism that was developed through the years, accelerating its development during the 19th century. Structuralism as a theory is descriptive of empiricism, which seeks to establish a general fact through a careful analysis of specific elements that comprise or make up this general fact. Modernism is also a theory that describes the modern period, since this theory sprang from the emergence of a modernist movement that was actively promoted by the United States in the mid- to late-20th century, as an opposition to the emerging socialist societies in Asian and East European nations."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Maley, W. "Structuralism and post-structuralism." Available at: <http://www.arts.gla.ac.uk/SESLL/EngLit/ugrad/hons/theory/(Post)Structuralism.htm>.
• "Modernization theory." Available at: <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modernization_theory>.

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