14+ Talcott Parsons Quotes On Religion, Education And Race

Talcott Parsons was an American sociologist who was a major contributor to the field of sociology in the 20th century. He is best known for his work on the theory of social action, which focused on the social order and the stability of society. He also developed the structural functionalist perspective, which looks at how social structures and institutions help maintain social order. Following is our collection on famous quotes by Talcott Parsons on religion, education, race.

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

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. — Talcott Parsons

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

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

A gloss is a total system of perception and language. — Talcott Parsons

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

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

A scientifically unimportant discovery is one which, however true and however interesting for other reasons, has no consequences for a system of theory with which scientists in that field are concerned. — Talcott Parsons

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. — Talcott Parsons

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

Spencer's god was Evolution, sometimes also called Progress. — Talcott Parsons

Science is intimately integrated with the whole social structure and cultural tradition. They mutually support one other -- only in certain types of society can science flourish, and conversely without a continuous and healthy development and application of science such a society cannot function properly. — Talcott Parsons

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

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

Life Lessons by Talcott Parsons

1. Talcott Parsons taught that social systems are composed of multiple components that interact with each other and must be studied holistically.
2. He emphasized the importance of understanding the roles of individuals within a society and how they interact with each other.
3. His work highlighted the need to consider the social, cultural, and economic factors that shape a society and its institutions.