Logical Behaviorism and Common Sense

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer looks at the philosophical theory of logical behaviorism. The writer explains that this theory claims that a mental state does not actually exist and there there are just observed behaviors. Further, the writer points out that there are those that claim that for a theory to be believable, common sense should be applied.

From the Paper:

It is argued that in order for a philosophical theory to be acceptable, it should be reasonably consistent with common sense. Logical behaviorism is a philosophical theory that posits that there is not really any such thing as a mental state. Using terms such as "angry" therefore make no sense. All such words describe not mental states but simply observed behaviors. Logical positivism reduces people from beings with complicated inner states to simple collections of observed behavior. It thereby negates the existence of inner consciousness.

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