SKINNER (2) – BEHAVIORISMO CIENTÍFICO | BEHAVIORISMO (SEGUNDA TEMPORADA)

Summary

This transcript discusses B.F. Skinner's behaviorist perspective, emphasizing that science interprets behavior without explaining its initial causes. Skinner's approach generalized from simple learning conditions to more complex ones, applying principles from animal studies to human learning. He differentiated between scientific interpretation and the 'why' of phenomena, advocating for a science that focuses on observable facts and empirical evidence, rejecting authority and embracing skepticism. Skinner's scientific method involves prediction, control, and description, viewing behavior as determined and governed by laws, and acknowledging our responsibility for actions within a cultural context.

Takeaways

• 🔬 Skinner's behaviorism is a scientific interpretation of behavior without explaining its initial causes, focusing on generalizing from simple to complex learning conditions.
• 🐦 Skinner started his studies with animals and then expanded to children and adults, emphasizing the cumulative nature of scientific knowledge.
• 🌏 Science, according to Skinner, shows how phenomena occur but not why they exist, distinguishing between understanding processes and the purpose behind them.
• 🚫 Skinner rejects the idea that science should explain the 'why' of phenomena, as this would enter the realm of motivations and purposes, which are not natural phenomena.
• 📚 Skinner believes that science should be cumulative, empirical, and seek order and laws, unlike arts and philosophy which do not necessarily progress in a cumulative manner.
• 👨‍🔬 Science values empirical observation and rejects authority, including its own, demanding intellectual honesty and the acceptance of facts even if they contradict personal desires.
• 🔍 The scientific method involves making predictions based on hypotheses, testing them in controlled experiments, and adjusting theories according to the results.
• 🤔 Skinner advocates for a healthy skepticism and the suspension of judgment in the face of uncertain findings, as truth will eventually be discovered.
• 🧠 Behavior is determined and regulated by laws, and Skinner argues that it can be predicted and controlled, as it is a function of genetic endowment, past experiences, and current circumstances.
• 👥 Skinner acknowledges that we are responsible for our behaviors ethically, but scientifically, it is the culture that has not taught us the desired behaviors.
• 📝 Skinner dedicated much of his life to studying the variables that control our behaviors, which will be the topic of a future video.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Skinner's behaviorism?

Skinner's behaviorism focuses on the interpretation of behavior rather than explaining its initial causes, allowing researchers to generalize from simple learning conditions to more complex ones.

How did Skinner apply his behavioral studies?

Skinner applied his behavioral studies by generalizing from studies on animals to learning in children and then adults, using principles derived from laboratory studies to interpret human behavior.

What does Skinner believe science should not attempt to explain?

Skinner believes that science should not attempt to explain the 'why' or initial causes of phenomena, as it is not within the realm of natural science to explain motivations or purposes.

How does Skinner differentiate between science and philosophy in terms of understanding nature?

Skinner differentiates by stating that while philosophy, like Aristotle's, may consider nature to have a purpose or motivation, science has long abandoned this assumption and focuses on understanding phenomena without recourse to motivations.

What are the three main characteristics of science according to Skinner?

According to Skinner, the three main characteristics of science are that it is cumulative, values empirical observation, and is a search for order regulated by laws.

How does Skinner view the advancement of scientific knowledge compared to art and philosophy?

Skinner views scientific knowledge as advancing cumulatively, unlike art and philosophy, where the wisdom and genius of historical figures are not necessarily surpassed by modern practitioners.

What is the importance of intellectual honesty in science as per Skinner's perspective?

Intellectual honesty is crucial in science as it demands that scientists accept facts, even if they contradict their wishes or desires, and that claims must withstand empirical testing to be considered true.

What does Skinner suggest is the role of a good scientist in the scientific process?

A good scientist, according to Skinner, is characterized by healthy skepticism, a willingness to suspend judgment in the face of uncertain findings, and an adherence to the principles of prediction, control, and detailed description within a scientific framework.

How does Skinner describe the scientific method in relation to behaviorism?

Skinner describes the scientific method as consisting of prediction, control, and description, asserting that behavior, being a determined and regulated phenomenon, can be subject to these scientific processes.

What is Skinner's stance on the responsibility for our behaviors?

Skinner acknowledges that we are responsible for our behaviors from an ethical standpoint, but scientifically, it is the culture that has not taught us the desired behaviors, implying that responsibility also lies with environmental factors.

What does the script suggest about the next topic Skinner will explore?

The script suggests that in the next video, Skinner will explore the variables that control our behaviors, which is a continuation of the theme introduced in the script.