Ads Quote by Willard Van Orman Quine
![“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/quotes/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
Source Book: Word and Object, Willard Van Orman Quine, 1960
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.
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