Archery Quote by Ernest Sosa
“The success of an archery shot may bring food to the hunter's starving family, or may constitute a horrible murder. But these outcomes are irrelevant to the assessment of that shot as a hunter-archery shot, as an attempt to hit prey without running excessive risk of failure.”
About This Quote
Source Article: Epistemology of Skill, Ernest Sosa, 1991
The moral outcome of a shot is irrelevant to evaluating the skill of the act; assessment focuses on intent and execution, not consequences.
In simple terms: Skill judged by intent and execution, not results.
Key Takeaway
Separate outcome from skill assessment.
Themes
ethics
skill assessment
consequentialism
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- sports coaching
- archery practice
- risk analysis
- ethical training
Key Concepts
philosophy
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you evaluate skill when outcomes vary?
- Can intent alone justify actions?
A Different Perspective
Outcomes can affect perceived skill in real life.
