Radical Behaviorism: The Philosophy and the Science

by Mecca Chiesa

To a greater extent than any other behavioral formulation, Radical Behaviorism has abandoned mechanistic explanation. Like Darwin, B.F. Skinner adopted selection as a causal mode. He applied that mode himself to the behavior of the individual, pointing out but leaving it to others to unravel the causal role of selection in the behavior of a social culture. Also, Radical Behaviorism parts company with traditional behaviorists who pronounce private experience and thinking to be outside the domain of science. Misconceptions, misinterpretations, and misrepresentations have kept the humanity and the promise of this approach to behavioral science from those who would have welcomed and used it if they had been properly informed.

Genres: Psychology, Philosophy

241 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1994

Reviews

[Robert Crow · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important text regarding the philosophical, theoretical and methodological underpinnings of the science of behavior. A must read for those who are motivated to understand and deal constructively with behavior science.

[Alan Tennyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding