Synopsis Research Methodology defines what the activity of research is how to proceed how to measure progress and what constitutes success. AI methodology is a jumbled mess. Different methodologies define distinct schools which wage religious wars against each other. Methods are tools. Use them dont let them use you. Dont fall for slogans that raise one above the others. AI research needs to be put on firm foundations Philosophers just talk. AI is about hacking you have to know whats computed before you ask how. To succeed at AI you have to be good at technical methods and you have to be suspicious of them. For instance you should be able to prove theorems and you should harbor doubts about whether theorems prove anything.