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Ultimate realities: deterministic and evolutionary
1West Virginia University.
The Behavior Analyst
|April 6, 2012
Summary
Behavioral science often discusses determinism, but its meaning varies. This study clarifies different types of determinism and ultimate realities by viewing them on a continuum, showing how behaviorist views have evolved.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Philosophy of Science
Background:
- Determinism is frequently referenced in behavioral literature, but its interpretation is often ambiguous.
- Various forms of determinism and conceptions of ultimate reality exist within behaviorism.
- Existing literature lacks a clear framework for understanding these diverse perspectives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the complex interpretations of determinism in behavioral science.
- To establish a framework for understanding different views of ultimate reality.
- To analyze the evolution of determinism concepts among behaviorists over time.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of determinism and ultimate reality.
- Positioning various deterministic views on a continuum from indeterminism to determinism.
- Examination of historical shifts in behaviorist perspectives on determinism.
Main Results:
- Ultimate realities can be conceptualized as a continuum, ranging from complete indeterminism to complete determinism.
- Evolutionary cosmology, such as Peirce's, illustrates a movement from indeterminism toward determinism.
- This continuum framework reveals the dynamic nature of determinism in the work of B. F. Skinner and other behaviorists.
Conclusions:
- A continuum model effectively clarifies diverse deterministic viewpoints in behavioral science.
- Understanding this continuum aids in interpreting the historical development of behaviorist thought.
- The framework highlights the nuanced and evolving nature of determinism in understanding behavior.
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