Abstract: | Europe is characterized by a unique path of social differentiation.The two swordsstate and churchthatstructured western European society in the Middle Ages havesince multiplied into six. Six cardinal institutions of societytheeconomy, government, science, religion, ethics, and arteachmaintain a large measure of independence. Each is dependenton a special type of freedom: civic liberties, free trade, academicfreedom, religious toleration, the right to follow onesconscience, artistic licence. The modern Europeans are offeredthe opportunity to create self-chosen biographies in their questfor wealth, order, truth, salvation, virtue, and beauty. Thesuccess of the EC depends on finding a form that suits thismainstream of European structuration. The appropriate form seemscloser to the model of ancient Athens that that of the RomanEmpire. Public opinion plays a vital role in integrating thistype of social order. |