3 427 innateness joe stemberger writes never understood makes difference linguistic theory whether highly languagespecific information innate innateness usually used explanation universals constraints variation parameters always seemed important something universal variation limited options possible difference linguistic theory could make whether observed patterns due languagespecific innateness due general feature cognitive processing matter due guidance guardian angels aliens another dimension observed patterns real explanation come languages seem abide still rule potential explanations might violate universal still provide explanations two phenomena linked due parameter stuff innateness never understood care innateness buy us anything linguistic theory innateness conclusion linguistics premise one looks premise one indeed gets logico scientific muddle like one outline since conclusion premise linguistic theory buys us innateness way around care interesting conclusion one learns language works child adult looks like plausible conclusion least gives neurophysiology genetics work work beginning get done respect superior appeal guardian angels aliens although century past future judgment might different furthermore languagespecificity looks plausible general feature cognitive processing reasons hashed flamefest modularity early life linguist however negative never proved thus reduction general cognitive principles ecp ocp categorial perception point articulation stop consonants neonates remains possibility dealing conclusion premise david pesetsky