Nominator's statement

Developed the vitally important idea that we should move beyond merely *descriptive* theories (i.e., those that simply capture generalities in patterns of data in order to rationalize them and generate new predictions/research, but do little to explain *why* the phenomena are that way). Instead, we should strive to generate truly *explanatory* theories (i.e., those that also include how the phenomena stem from independently-derived properties and/or principles). Such properties and principles in an explanatory theory are independently motivated, not brought in solely to fit the data in specific domains. This notion foreshadowed the now obvious utility of using brain and computational evidence to constrain compelling cognitive/functional theories.

comments

• Agree on the following from the nomination, "This notion foreshadowed the now obvious utility of using brain and computational evidence to constrain compelling cognitive/functional theories." I would add that Aspects is possibly the single most important book in cognitive science.