Failing Quote by Talcott Parsons
“But the fact a person denies that he is theorising is no reason for taking him at his word and failing to investigate what implicit theory is involved in his statements.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Structure of Social Action, Talcott Parsons, 1937
People often hide their underlying assumptions, so we must examine the hidden theories behind their statements.
In simple terms: Check for hidden ideas in what people say.
Key Takeaway
Investigate implicit assumptions.
Themes
critical thinking
analysis
communication
Mood
analytical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- debates
- academic writing
- policy analysis
- interpersonal conflict
Key Concepts
sociology
theory of knowledge
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions are you overlooking?
- How can you reveal hidden theories?
A Different Perspective
Implicit theories may be unconscious and hard to articulate.
