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.

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.

The implications of these considerations justify the statement that all empirically verifiable knowledge even the commonsense knowledge of everyday life - involves implicitly, if not explicitly, systematic theory in this sense.

If observed facts of undoubted accuracy will not fit any of the alternatives it leaves open, the system itself is in need of reconstruction.

It is probably safe to say that all the changes of factual knowledge which have led to the relativity theory, resulting in a very great theoretical development, are completely trivial from any point of view except their relevance to the structure of a theoretical system.

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.

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.