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 More Quotes by Talcott Parsons More Quotes From Talcott Parsons From all this it follows what the general character of the problem of the development of a body of scientific knowledge is, in so far as it depends on elements internal to science itself. Talcott Parsons body character science knowledge That is, a system starts with a group of interrelated propositions which involve reference to empirical observations within the logical framework of the propositions in question. Talcott Parsons system question group logical 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 great respect tradition character 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 possible will circumstances facts Now obviously the propositions of the system have reference to matters of empirical fact; if they did not, they could have no claim to be called scientific. Talcott Parsons fact matters system now Of course there may well be particular reasons why Spencer rather than others is dead, as there were also particular reasons why he rather than others made such a stir. Talcott Parsons dead why well others The main concern of the study is with the outline of a theoretical system. Its minor variations from writer to writer are not a matter of concern to this analysis. Talcott Parsons system analysis study matter Thus, in general, in the first instance, the direction of interest in empirical fact will be canalised by the logical structure of the theoretical system. Talcott Parsons direction system will structure The conception that, instead of this, contemporary society is at or near a turning point is very prominent in the views of a school of social scientists who, though they are still comparatively few, are getting more and more of a hearing. Talcott Parsons more who society school
