Talcott Parsons Quotes

United States, Sociologist
December 13, 1902 – May, 8, 1979.

Talcott Parsons (December 13, 1902 – May 8, 1979) was an American sociologist of the classical tradition, best known for his social action theory and structural functionalism. Parsons is considered one of the most influential figures in the development of sociology in the 20th century. After earning a PhD in economics, he served on the faculty at Harvard University from 1927 to 1929. In 1930, he was among the first professors in its new sociology department.

Also known as University Teacher

suggest that we think of theories as spotlight. this imagery is useful. a spotlight will only illuminate so much. wiht any theory there will always be the things that are left in darkness, still unexamined and unexplained. parsons referred to these as'residual categories'.

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
- Knowledge
- Change

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

Talcott Parsons
- Problems
- Facts
- Will
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
- Missing
- Three
- Others
'System' is the concept that refers both to a complex of interdependencies between parts, components, and processes, that involves discernible regularities of relationships, and to a similar type of interdependency between such a complex and its surrounding environment.

Talcott Parsons
- Environment
A social system is a mode of organization of action elements relative to the persistence or ordered processes of change of the interactive patterns of a plurality of individual actors.

Talcott Parsons
As a formal analytical point of reference, primacy of orientation to the attainment of a specific goal is used as the defining characteristic of an organization which distinguishes it from other types of social systems.

Talcott Parsons
- Organization
The most elementary communication is not possible without some degree of conformity to the 'conventions' of the symbolic system.

Talcott Parsons
- Communication

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
- Want
- Know
- Questions
p. v; Preface first edition

Talcott Parsons
In a sense the present work is to be regarded as a secondary-study of the work of a group of writers in the field of social theory. But the genus 'secondary study' comprises several species; of these an example of only one, and that perhaps not the best known, is to be found in these pages.

Talcott Parsons
- Work
- Present
- Study