B.F. Skinner argues that to solve the world's problems, we must revise our traditional concepts of freedom and dignity. These concepts, while historically useful against tyranny, now hinder effective solutions by defending a presumed autonomous individual and perpetuating the use of punishment. Instead of focusing on freedom and dignity as personal attributes, Skinner proposes that we should reexamine our physical and social environments and alter them to achieve greater human achievements.
Skinner rejects explanations of behavior based on states of mind or feelings. He asserts that behavior is best explained by the interaction between genetic endowment and personal history, and that changing the environment, not human nature itself, is the key to reaching the traditional goals of freedom and dignity. A radically behaviorist approach, based on the experimental analysis of behavior, offers a path to developing more effective cultural practices.
Key concepts
- Experimental analysis of behavior — Skinner's pioneering method for studying behavior through controlled experimentation.
- Genetic endowment — The inherited biological characteristics that influence an individual's behavior.
- Personal history — The sum of an individual's past experiences and their impact on behavior.
- Radically behaviorist approach — A perspective that emphasizes environmental control over behavior and rejects internal mental states as explanations.