Abstract:
This thesis has investigated the underlying theory, and philosophy, which is presupposed by the method of structural analysis as it is often employed in the study of man. A distinction was drawn between two kinds of structuralism. The focus was on the brand of structuralism which appears to follow from a theory and a philosophy about man. It was argued that this more ambitious brand of structuralism is elevated to the level of scientific theory, based on a kind of materialistic determinism, and a theory of the unconscious.It was found that there is no reason to reject structuralism as a scientific theory on the basis that it does not conform to a conventional definition of science. The epistemological ramifications were considered. It was shown that there is a need for clarification and inter-disciplinary communication.