We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
ON B.F. SKINNER'S (IN)DETERMINISM.
- Authors
Laurenti, Carolina
- Abstract
B. F. Skinner has committed himself to determinism at different points in his lifework. However, the Skinnerian scientific system is not based on fixed epistemological assumptions. This article aims to demonstrate that Skinnerian statements about determinism have different meanings, and some of them may also coincide with the opposite thesis of determinism (i.e., indeterminism). Concepts associated with determinism were examined within the three models of behavior proposed by Skinner (reflex, operant, and selection by consequences). This conceptual investigation showed that the formulations within the reflex model are consistent with determinism; those within the operant model are ambiguous as to their compatibility with deterministic and indeterministic scientific conceptions; and those within selection by consequences are aligned with scientific indeterminism. Skinner's repeated commitment to determinism should not lead behavior analysts to assume it is an uncontroversial "ism"; therefore, other interpretations of behavior analysis's fundamental postulates are possible.
- Subjects
SKINNER, B. F. (Burrhus Frederic), 1904-1990; BEHAVIORAL assessment; BEHAVIOR analysts; HUMAN behavior models; FREE will &; determinism; INDETERMINISM (Philosophy); OPERANT conditioning
- Publication
Behavior & Philosophy, 2023, Vol 51, p1
- ISSN
1053-8348
- Publication type
Article