Talcott Parsons

Among those who are satisfactory in this respect it is desirable to have represented as great a diversity of intellectual tradition, social milieu and personal character as possible. ↗

— Talcott Parsons

#character #desirable #diversity #great #intellectual

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

— Talcott Parsons

#alternatives #any #facts #fit #itself

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. ↗

— Talcott Parsons

#equations #four #manipulation #missing #only

In so far as such a theory is empirically correct it will also tell us what empirical facts it should be possible to observe in a given set of circumstances. ↗

— Talcott Parsons

#circumstances #correct #empirical #empirically #facts

A gloss is a total system of perception and language. ↗

— Talcott Parsons

#language #perception #system #total

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. ↗

— Talcott Parsons

#been #does #facts #logically #merely

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. ↗

— Talcott Parsons

#fact #failing #him #his #implicit

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

— Talcott Parsons

#consequences #consists #fact #having #importance

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

— Talcott Parsons

#facts #far #interest #problems #relevant

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. ↗

— Talcott Parsons

#differentiated #directly #family #functions #highly