A Song That Might Play -Song Whittington

     "So, I've got a question for ya. Do you think even the worst person can change? That everyone can be a good person if they just try?" - Sans, Undertale 2015

    Behavioralism is a foundational aspect of psychology. Just recently we studied it in Intro to Psychology. Behavioralism goes hand in hand with personality studies. This delves into whether personality is continuous or discontinuous - happening all the time or in stage, - if personality is stagnant or not, as well as conditioning of certain behaviors. The quote above is from the 2015 video game Undertale. It is said in the True Genocide route, right near the end before the, arguably, hardest fight of the game. The question, for a video game, has a striking philosophical question that rings in our ears, personally, to this day. Patterns and habits aren't easy things to break; and what if someone doesn't want to break them? There's a whole new issue there. I'm not one to delve too far into philosophical conundrms, it's not really my area of expertise. However, I'd like to pose a bit of hope for mankind. Behavior, personality, all of it, it isn't stagnant. It changes and grows as we do, as we learn and experience new things. If it didn't change and grow, kids would never learn not to touch the hot stove or more important lessons like treating others how you'd want to be treated. I honestly don't know if anyone can become a good person. I hope that if they wanted to, if they truly tried, then they could. Whether it's watching behavior and recording it like Skinner, or just a day-to-day notice like most people do, there are changes all around us all the time. So, if you try and you truly wish to accomplish a change, keep going. You can do it, and I'm willing to bet you aren't alone either. 

    Take care of yourself, and know that you're loved by people out there even if ya can't see it. Drink water and sleep well.

-Engineer


Commented on Emmet Bryant's and Isabelle Furgeson

Comments

  1. Samantha TMarch 22, 2022 at 10:46 AM

    I really appreciate the connection of the quote to the essay. Video games can be beautiful thought provoking works of art depending on the game. The question posed is a heavy one, and I agree with you that I think a person's behavior can change for the better. This is a fun philosophical side to the practice of behaviorism. -Samantha T

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