The Interaction between Agency and Structure in Determining Social Action Based on Sadra's Philosophy

The analysis of the determinants of social action is one of the major issues in social sciences that has been discussed in sociology literature and created different constructivist, interactionist, and eclectic theories. The purpose of this study is to investigate the extent and mechanism of the effect of structure and agency in the social action process. According to the results of the research, these two factors interact with each other in determining the social action. Using an analytical method, this research studies this issue by analyzing and identifying the components of man’s voluntary action as the core of social action from the perspective of Sadra's philosophy. The interference of agency or structure in the process of social action happens through the components of voluntary action. Structural factors a priori shape many of the epistemic, motivational, and behavioral dimensions of the actor and in various ways affect the cognition, desires and volition of the actor, but the binding nature of society is manifested in the formatted presentation of the mentally-posited issues needed for action. Ultimately, society plays a role in the formation of the secondary identity of the actor. Despite these widespread influences, actor as the subject cause of social action can resist many of these effects. With the innate power of reasoning and rethinking, actor is able to achieve independent awareness and achieve truth, and social action is always performed through his free will. According to Sadri's philosophy, in addition to many options and opportunities, actor has the capacity to be iconoclastic, and change mentally-posited issues and social cognitions.