Ascending Quote by Willard Van Orman Quine
“The strategy of semantic ascent is that it carries the discussion into a domain where both parties are better agreed on the objects (viz., words) and on the main terms connecting them. Words, or their inscriptions, unlike points, miles, classes and the rest, are tangible objects of the size so popular in the marketplace, where men of unlike conceptual schemes communicate at their best. The strategy is one of ascending to a common part of two fundamentally disparate conceptual schemes, the better to discuss the disparate foundations. No wonder it helps in philosophy.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Strategy of Semantic Ascent", 1975
Using shared language as a bridge to align differing conceptual frameworks for clearer discussion.
In simple terms: Find common language to discuss differences.
Key Takeaway
Seek shared terms.
Themes
communication
philosophy
conceptual alignment
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
methodological
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- interdisciplinary research
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
semantic theory
dialogue strategies
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we identify truly shared terms?
- What limits semantic ascent in practice?
A Different Perspective
Complex concepts may resist simplification.
![“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)
