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Behavioral Pragmatism: Making A Place for Reality and Truth
1Kohala Educational Services, Waikoloa, HI USA.
The Behavior Analyst
|January 25, 2020
Summary
Behavioral pragmatism (BP) challenges realism and truth correspondence, offering nonrealism and pragmatic truth criteria. This analysis explores BP, metaphysical realism, and Rortian pragmatism to resolve disputes threatening radical behaviorism.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Philosophy of Science
- Behavior Analysis
Background:
- Behavioral pragmatism (BP) challenges metaphysical realism and the correspondence theory of truth (CTT).
- Many behavior analysts adhere to realism and CTT, often using different terminology.
- BP's concepts of reality and truth are gaining prominence through Relational Frame Theory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the realism/pragmatism dispute and its threat to radical behaviorism's coherence.
- To present differing conceptions of reality and truth in metaphysical realism, BP, and Rortian pragmatism (RP).
- To propose modifications to BP using RP insights to narrow the realism/pragmatism divide.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of metaphysical realism, behavioral pragmatism, and Rortian pragmatism.
- Philosophical argumentation regarding the coherence of radical behaviorism.
- Development of proposals for modifying behavioral pragmatism based on Rortian pragmatism.
Main Results:
- Identified a conflict between metaphysical realism and behavioral pragmatism.
- Detailed the distinct philosophical underpinnings of each perspective on reality and truth.
- Offered specific, actionable proposals for integrating Rortian pragmatism with behavioral pragmatism.
Conclusions:
- Resolving the realism/pragmatism dispute is crucial for the coherence of radical behaviorism.
- Rortian pragmatism offers a viable framework for refining behavioral pragmatism.
- Proposed modifications can bridge the gap between realism and pragmatism in behavior analysis.
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