We enjoyed reading Matthew Rispoli's review of Rethinking innateness (henceforth RI-Elman et al. 1996). First, we respond to what we see as the major issues that he raises. Finally, we respond to the commentaries contributed by other authors in this issue.

Rispoli has two major concerns. First, he fears that RI will do the field a great disservice, increasing polarization and sowing discontent. To some extent this is an ‘eye of the beholder’ criticism that is difficult to counter: if Rispoli feels more polarized upon reading this book, who are we to argue?