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Beginning with a discussion of mind-body dualism in social anthropology, Evens presents a profound theory of human conduct that insists on choice, ambiguity and contradiction. He utilizes the case study of an Israeli kibbutz to address the central anthropological problems of rationality. Of particular interest is Even's interpretation of the myth of Genesis, as well as his interpretation of Rousseau's revision of this myth, as paradigms of generational conflict and the kibbutz's logic of moral order. He also discusses the controversial introduction of a secret ballot into a particular Israeli kibbutz' decision-making process, as well as the concept of ambiguity in social hierarchy and practice. "Two Kinds of Rationality" offers a critique of theoretical approaches to social action, and a rethinking of contemporary notions of human agency. Evens analyzes two kinds of rationality, mythic and instrumental, and projects reality as basically ambiguous. This important and revolutionary theoretical work should appeal to social and political theorists, anthropologists, and students of cultural studies, social movements and Jewish studies.