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.

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• Talcott Parsons:

  Among those who are satisfactory in this respect it is desirable to have represented as great a div

• Talcott Parsons:

  But the fact a person denies that he is theorising is no reason for taking him at his word and fail

• Talcott Parsons:

  From all this it follows what the general character of the problem of the development of a body of

• Talcott Parsons:

  If there are four equations and only three variables, and no one of the equations is derivable from

• Talcott Parsons:

  In so far as such a theory is empirically correct it will also tell us what empirical facts it shou

• Talcott Parsons:

  Now obviously the propositions of the system have reference to matters of empirical fact; if they d

• Talcott Parsons:

  Of course there may well be particular reasons why Spencer rather than others is dead, as there wer

• Talcott Parsons:

  Special emphasis should be laid on this intimate interrelation of general statements about empirica

• Talcott Parsons:

  That is, a system starts with a group of interrelated propositions which involve reference to empir

• Talcott Parsons:

  The functions of the family in a highly differentiated society are not to be interpreted as functio