But the scientific importance of a change in knowledge of fact consists precisely in j its having consequences for a system of theory.
Talcott ParsonsA 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 ParsonsEmpirical interest will be in the facts so far as they are relevant to the solution of these problems.
Talcott ParsonsIf 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