The Ambiguity Of Behaviorism Human Equality And Freedom...

The Ambiguity of Behaviorism: Human Equality and Freedom YI TSAM MARY KONG University of British Columbia The Ambiguity of Behaviorism: Human Equality and Freedom Behaviorism on learning and memory occupies an important position in the history of psychology. John B. Watson is the father of behaviorism while B.F. Skinner is the most famous behaviorist of the twentieth century. Watson’s methodological behaviorism means that it is only the behaviors of an individual that can be objectively observed. Skinner’s radical behaviorism emphasized that behaviors of human and animals are blindly influenced by environment. In this case, Watson and Skinner share similar views of behaviorism. For instance, they believe that the proper objectives of behavioral research include prediction and control (Staddon and Bueno, 1991). However, there are remarkable discrepancies in their views of human equality and freedom. Watson promoted the progressive process of human equality by maintaining concept of â€Å"tabula rasa†, whereas Skinner insisted that freedom is an illusion, so that he pr ovided the adverse effect to the dictatorial institution. The fact is that the potential ambiguity produces a strong influence on people’s thinking and has a practical significance on society. According to the famous â€Å"Rats maze† experiment, Watson began by challenging the underlying assumption of instinct (Berntson and Cacioppo, 2000). Watson and Morgan (1917) are considered to beShow MoreRelatedVictimization due to an Abusive Relationship2876 Words   |  12 Pagesstudy into domestic violence. This attitude permeates throughout civilization and the effects are harmful. Emphatically, behaviorism has long been an object of research by many different fields with renowned scientists developing various theories to explain behavior. One such renowned scientist was Ivan Pavlov who introduced classical conditioning to explain behaviorism. Classical conditioning is a form of social learning and conditioning where stimulus responses are essential. Classical conditioningRead MoreStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 PagesUnderstanding Work Teams 307 Communication 335 Leadership 367 Power and Politics 411 Conflict and Negotiation 445 Foundations of Organization Structure 479 v vi BRIEF CONTENTS 4 The Organization System 16 Organizational Culture 511 17 Human Resource Policies and Practices 543 18 Organizational Change and Stress Management 577 Appendix A Research in Organizational Behavior Comprehensive Cases Indexes Glindex 637 663 616 623 Contents Preface xxii 1 1 Introduction Read MoreMetz Film Language a Semiotics of the Cinema PDF100902 Words   |  316 PagesPhilosophical Library: New York, 1959). The terms language and language system (see especially Chapter 3 of this volume) translate de Saussure s crucial distinction between langage and langue. Language (langage) indicates language in general, that is, the human linguistic capacity. It is the universal category that contains the myriad specific instances of language system (langue): French, English, Urdu, but in addition, those other languages of chess, of heraldry, of computers, etc. Speech (parole) is