Caught Quote by Abraham Kaplan
“We are caught up in a paradox, one which might be called the paradox of conceptualization. The proper concepts are needed to formulate a good theory, but we need a good theory to arrive at the proper concepts.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Structure of Social Theory, 1964
Concepts and theories depend on each other, creating a circular problem.
In simple terms: Theory and concepts need each other.
Balance development of ideas and concepts.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- academic research
- policy design
- product development
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you break the concept‑theory loop?
- What methods help refine both simultaneously?
Overemphasis on one side can stall progress.