Talcott Parsons Quotes

If there are four equations and only three variables, and no one of the equations is derivable from the others by algebraic manipulation then there is another variable missing.

Theory not only formulates what we know but also tells us what we want to know, that is, the questions to which an answer is needed.

If capitalism begins as the practical idealism of the aspiring bourgeoisie, it ends ... as an orgy of materialism.

Sociology should... be thought of as a science of action-of the ultimate common value element in its relations to the other elements of action.

Spencers god was Evolution, sometimes also called Progress.

If observed facts of undoubted accuracy will not fit any of the alternatives it leaves open, the system itself is in need of reconstruction.

But the fact a person denies that he is theorising is no reason for taking him at his word and failing to investigate what implicit theory is involved in his statements.

A gloss is a total system of perception and language.

The part an actor played on stage was once written on a separate roll of paper.

The importance of certain problems concerning the facts will be inherent in the structure of the system.

The functions of the family in a highly differentiated society are not to be interpreted as functions directly on behalf of the society, but on behalf of personality.

Special emphasis should be laid on this intimate interrelation of general statements about empirical fact with the logical elements and structure of theoretical systems.

A theoretical system does not merely state facts which have been observed and that logically deducible relations to other facts which have also been observed.

Empirical interest will be in the facts so far as they are relevant to the solution of these problems.

But the scientific importance of a change in knowledge of fact consists precisely in j its having consequences for a system of theory.