Behaviorism with Predetermination// Jessef Leslie

            In B.F Skinner’s “About Behaviorism”, Skinner addresses the concerns of scientists and different branches, approaches to behaviorism. When discussing the future of the field, he claims that behaviorism will revolutionize life and problem solving for man. We will learn to view our behaviors as results of the environment, and then manipulate that environment to get the preferred behaviors from ourselves. “A way of life which furthers the study of human behavior in its relation to that environment should be in the best possible position to solve its major problems... Man can now control his destiny...” (Skinner 221).

            This concept presented by Skinner worries me. It reminds me of “The Abolition of Man” where C.S Lewis describes how man will ‘impose control over future generations’ to a point where they have less and less say in how they live. Skinner appears to be contemplating this control over future generations in a positive, progressive point of view, but this world where ‘man controls his destiny’ is one that shifts the whole concept of humanity. One or more groups will decide what is best, and then craft a world where their children will be predestined to act in the ways they have previously decided on. Behaviorism will definitely force us to retackle our approach to free will, humanity, and progression.


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