--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: One may take the line that metaphorical…" description: "\"“One may take the line that metaphorical devices are inevitable in the early stages of any science and that although we may look with amusement today u..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f78/b-f-skinner-2-27274_behaviorism_one-may-take-the-line-that-metaphorical_232336.jpg" --- # One may take the line that metaphorical devices are… ![“One may take the line that metaphorical devices are inevitable in the early stages of any science and that although we may look with amusement today upon the “essences,” “forces,” “phlogistons,” and “ethers,” of the science of yesterday, these nevertheless were essential to the historical process…” quote by B.F. Skinner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f78/b-f-skinner-2-27274_behaviorism_one-may-take-the-line-that-metaphorical_232336.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f78/b-f-skinner-2-27274_behaviorism_one-may-take-the-line-that-metaphorical_232336.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f78/b-f-skinner-2-27274_behaviorism_one-may-take-the-line-that-metaphorical_232336.jpg) > ““One may take the line that metaphorical devices are inevitable in the early stages of any science and that although we may look with amusement today upon the “essences,” “forces,” “phlogistons,” and “ethers,” of the science of yesterday, these nevertheless were essential to the historical process. It would be difficult to prove or disprove this. However, if we have learned anything about the nature of scientific thinking, if mathematical and logical researches have improved our capacity to represent and analyze empirical data, it is possible that we can avoid some of the mistakes of adolescence. Whether Freud could have done so is past demonstrating, but whether we need similar constructs in the future prosecution of a science of behavior is a question worth considering.”” [B.F. Skinner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/b-f-skinner-2/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Metaphorical concepts help early scientific development but can become outdated; modern logic may reduce such reliance. **In simple terms:** Early science uses metaphors; later we can refine them. Key Takeaway Use precise models when possible. Themes science philosophy methodology history of ideas Mood reflective analytical Type theoretical critical When to use this quote - academic research - education - policy making - psychology practice Key Concepts metaphor conceptual frameworks adolescent thinking Questions to Reflect On - How do we decide which old concepts to discard? - Can new metaphors improve current theories? A Different Perspective Metaphors may still aid intuition in complex fields. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Behaviorism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/behaviorism/) [Philosophy of science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy-of-science/) [Science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/science/) ## Related quotes > [“It isn't the sort of argument Pointsman relishes either. But he glances sharply at this young anarchist in his red scarf. 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It would be difficult to prove or disprove this. However, if we have learned anything about the nature of scientific thinking, if mathematical and logical researches have improved our capacity to represent and analyze empirical data, it is possible that we can avoid some of the mistakes of adolescence. Whether Freud could have done so is past demonstrating, but whether we need similar constructs in the future prosecution of a science of behavior is a question worth considering.”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "B.F. 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