I don't think Norvig was arguing Chomsky was completely wrong about what he said, more that statistical models are a hell of a lot more important than Chomsky i

I don't think Norvig was arguing Chomsky was completely wrong about what he said, more that statistical models are a hell of a lot more important than Chomsky implies. Looking at the statistics and evidence is of great importance in trying to form models and answers to the "why" questions. Although mimicking a bee dance may not mean we understand it, it does provide a basis for founding and comparing theories.