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THE SYSTEMATIC SOCIOLOGY OF TALCOTT PARSONS.

Authors :
Boskoff, Alvin
Source :
Social Forces; May50, Vol. 28 Issue 4, p393-400, 8p
Publication Year :
1950

Abstract

This article focuses on professor Talcott Parsons' literary works on systematic sociology. According to the author, Talcott Parsons and his followers are pioneers in this recent theory in sociology and have won considerable recognition. Parsons' theoretical system comprises a series of postulates, concepts, and methodological formulations, which are mutually interdependent. The purpose of such a scheme is to develop sociology as a distinctive science with an appropriate conceptual scheme. According to the author, systematic theory is synonymous with scientific theory and is defined as "a body of logically interdependent generalized concepts of empirical reference" tending toward logical closure. Insofar as a body of theory is logically closed, it is systematic in fully explaining the relations between phenomena within a given frame of reference. If the explicit propositions of a systematic theory are not logically closed, it may be reasonably inferred that unstated assumptions or variables are involved in that system.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00377732
Volume :
28
Issue :
4
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Social Forces
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
13586743
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.2307/2572249