Comment on The Comedy of Behaviorism

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 01:16:03 GMT

Really? "Skinnerian" behaviorism (Skinner preferred the term "radical behaviorism") is thriving.

The Perfected Self B. F. Skinner’s notorious theory of behavior modification was denounced by critics 50 years ago as a fascist, manipulative vehicle for government control. But Skinner’s ideas are making an unlikely comeback today, powered by smartphone apps that are transforming us into thinner, richer, all-around-better versions of ourselves. The only thing we have to give up? Free will (The Atlantic Monthly, June 2012).

Association for Behavior Analysis

Behavior Analysis: Division 25 of the American Psychological Association

B.F. Skinner Foundation

Journal for Applied Behavior Analyis

Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior

I personally know several radical behaviorists/applied behavior analysts working in the social services and animal control/training fields, and operant learning is still a staple of educational training and delivery.

Nobody likes to think of themselves as governed by the same laws pigeons in a Skinner box are, but.... Try this thought experiment: think back over the past 24 hrs. of your life. How many levers, buttons, etc..., have you manipulated in that sample? Now, imagine for some reason in that time frame you were restricted from using any levers, buttons, etc.... Like my wife said when I ran it not her, "Makes it virtually impossible to get shit done."

Discuss