--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I largely defer to the cognitive…" description: "\"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 ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0b5/hilary-kornblith-11063_argument_i-largely-defer-to-the-cognitive-etholog_641293.jpg" --- # 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](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0b5/hilary-kornblith-11063_argument_i-largely-defer-to-the-cognitive-etholog_641293.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0b5/hilary-kornblith-11063_argument_i-largely-defer-to-the-cognitive-etholog_641293.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0b5/hilary-kornblith-11063_argument_i-largely-defer-to-the-cognitive-etholog_641293.jpg) > “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](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/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. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Argument](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/argument/) [Objections](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/objections/) [Persuasive](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/persuasive/) [Philosopher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosopher/) [Research](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/research/) [Science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/science/) [Successful](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/successful/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) [Track record](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/track-record/) ## Related quotes > [What I argue is that talk of knowledge plays an important role in theories within cognitive ethology. The idea is this. 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Wade](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-f-wade/) > [We like to imagine that in history, truth will prevail through sheer persuasive power. Sadly, this is not the case. 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If someone were addressing your point, what tone, what overall approach…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barry-eisler/the-most-important-guideline-when-it-comes-to-argument-is-the-golden/) [Barry Eisler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barry-eisler/) > [Keep the corners of your mouth turned up. Speak in a low, persuasive tone. Listen; be teachable. Laugh at good stories and learn to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mother-teresa/keep-the-corners-of-your-mouth-turned-up-speak-in-a-low-persuasive/) [Mother Teresa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mother-teresa/) ## More by Hilary Kornblith > [I think that when I first suggested the idea that knowledge should be viewed as a natural kind, many people thought this was just…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hilary-kornblith/i-think-that-when-i-first-suggested-the-idea-that-knowledge-should-be/) [Hilary Kornblith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hilary-kornblith/) > [The fact that these scientific theories have a fine track record of successful prediction and explanation speaks for itself. 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