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 ParsonsBut the scientific importance of a change in knowledge of fact consists precisely in j its having consequences for a system of theory.
Talcott ParsonsSpecial emphasis should be laid on this intimate interrelation of general statements about empirical fact with the logical elements and structure of theoretical systems.
Talcott Parsons