ABSTRACT
Parsons has never, to my knowledge, set down a full scale metaphysical program. Doubtless he has metaphysical views, and they play some role in his sociological thinking. However, the exact definition of this role is obscure, perhaps for the reason that neither Parsons, nor the few commentators who have glanced at this aspect of his thought, have been sufficiently interested to pursue the metaphysical questions beyond a few cursory observations. Although I will not deviate from this approach to the subject, I should like to point out insufficiencies even within the compass of the meager study the subject has received so far, and chart a few preliminaries which may be suggestive of a more intensive investigation that could be undertaken.
