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Individual Actions Have Unintended Consequences: This statement may seem a commonplace, but we have only to remark the number of theorists and analysts who proceed as though actions were or could be limited by their intention to realize the extent to which it remains a 'new' concept. This is despite Merton's two classic treatments (1936, 1957). Indeed, it may always remain 'new' in this sense for, apparent as it is, it is a contradiction to some of our most central everyday assumptions about the way things work, and necessarily so. We tend to expect to be able to act effectively, and with conscious control over our effects in the world. This expectation is becoming less likely to be fulfilled as the world is more governed by the accident of coincidental intentions -- unintended consequences. Indeed, the inability to achieve our intended ends in the world without latent dysfunctions may be an important source of physical conflict.
Approximate Word count = 583
Approximate Pages = 2.3
(250 words per page double spaced)
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