Interest Theory: Ihering, Pound, and Stone on Law in Action

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the evolution of interest theory, tracing its development from the revolutionary ideas of Rudolf von Ihering, through the functionalism of Roscoe Pound, to the analytical rigor of Julius Stone. The authors explain the transition from conceptual jurisprudence to "law in action," viewed as a tool for social engineering. The text explores the mechanisms for weighing conflicting claims and the role of civilizational postulates in shaping the legal order. Particular attention is paid to unmasking illusory legal categories and a pragmatic approach to minimizing social harm. This is essential reading for those seeking to understand how law evolved from an abstract logical system into a living instrument serving to meet real needs and build an inclusive society based on the equitable reconciliation of interests.