Some have said that the thesis [of indeterminacy] is a…
![“Some have said that the thesis [of indeterminacy] is a consequence of my behaviorism. Some have said that it is a reductio ad absurdum of my behaviorism. I disagree with this second point, but I agree with the first. I hold further that the behaviorism approach is mandatory. In psychology one may…” quote by Willard Van Orman Quine](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/3e0/willard-van-orman-quine-10137_ads_some-have-said-that-the-thesis-of-indete_315688.jpg)
“Some have said that the thesis [of indeterminacy] is a consequence of my behaviorism. Some have said that it is a reductio ad absurdum of my behaviorism. I disagree with this second point, but I agree with the first. I hold further that the behaviorism approach is mandatory. In psychology one may or may not be a behaviorist, but in linguistics one has no choice.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Quine argues that indeterminacy of translation stems from behaviorist foundations, insisting behaviorism is essential in linguistics.
In simple terms: Indeterminacy arises from behaviorist view; linguistics must be behaviorist.
Key Takeaway
Accept behaviorism as a methodological necessity in language study.
Themes
philosophy of language
behaviorism
indeterminacy
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
theoretical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- language teaching
- theoretical research
- philosophical debate
- academic curricula
Key Concepts
translation theory
linguistic methodology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does behaviorism shape linguistic analysis?
- Can non‑behaviorist approaches address indeterminacy?
A Different Perspective
Behaviorist constraints may limit alternative linguistic models.