Science and Human Behavior, Chapter 3: Why Organisms Behave, Quote 7

“But on analysis these phrases prove to be merely redundant descriptions. A single set of facts is described by the two statements: “He eats” and “He is hungry.” A single set of facts is described by the two statements: “He smokes a great deal” and “He has the smoking habit.” A single set of facts is described by the two statements: “He plays well” and “He has musical ability.” The practice of explaining one statement in terms of the other is dangerous because it suggests that we have found the cause and therefore need search no further.” (p. 31)

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