B.F. Skinner's Behaviorism Theory

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, while Sartre defines freedom as the ability to determine things for oneself, Skinner defines it as the attempt or ability to remove oneself from adverse conditions. The author points out that philosophy has not evolved like the natural sciences because humans insist on believing that they are somehow different from the natural world; however, for behavior science to advance, Skinner believes that that society must exorcise the so called "inner principles" in order to have an open mind for the real truths about human behavior. The paper rejects Skinner's theory because by doing what Skinner suggests, the natural balance of human nature is destroyed as not everything is perfect.

From the Paper:

"Still, there are questions raised about the possibility of truly predicting human behavior as a science and to what extent can we use this information. Skinner believes that as soon as we get past the concept that humans are different from other creatures we will be able to create a true science of human behavior. Part of his response is that it would be difficult so we say we shouldn't try it and this is a weak excuse. He says that we know it is not outside the realm of possibility so just because it is difficult does not mean we should give up on it completely. What we know now, he argues, is not effective so why should we spend more and more money and effort on negative reinforcement, if it has not proved successful."

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