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I largely defer to the cognitive ethologists. I believe…

“I largely defer to the cognitive ethologists. I believe that the arguments that they make on this score are extremely persuasive. More than this, I do think as well that a priori objections by philosophers to successful research programs in the sciences have a very bad track record.” quote by Hilary Kornblith
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“I largely defer to the cognitive ethologists. I believe that the arguments that they make on this score are extremely persuasive. More than this, I do think as well that a priori objections by philosophers to successful research programs in the sciences have a very bad track record.”

Hilary Kornblith

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The author trusts cognitive ethologists' arguments and doubts philosophers' a priori objections to successful scientific programs.

In simple terms: Trusts empirical researchers over philosophical critics.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize evidence‑based insights.

Themes

science philosophy methodology

Mood

analytical skeptical

Type

academic critical

When to use this quote

  • AI research
  • interdisciplinary collaboration
  • policy making

Key Concepts

cognitive ethology scientific progress

Questions to Reflect On

  • What evidence supports the ethologists' claims?
  • When might philosophical objections be valuable?
A Different Perspective

Philosophical critiques can still highlight hidden biases.

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