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Related Experiment Videos

Selection by consequences

B F Skinner

    Science (New York, N.Y.)
    |July 31, 1981
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    Selection by consequences, a principle from natural selection, shapes behavior and cultural evolution. Recognizing this causal mode is crucial for addressing modern challenges, replacing outdated mechanical explanations.

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    Area of Science:

    • Biology, Psychology, Cultural Studies
    • Focuses on the principle of selection by consequences.

    Background:

    • Selection by consequences is a fundamental causal mode observed in living organisms and their creations.
    • This principle was initially identified in natural selection but extends to individual behavior and cultural evolution.
    • It offers an alternative to explanations rooted in classical mechanics.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To highlight the broad applicability of selection by consequences beyond natural selection.
    • To advocate for the recognition of this causal mode in understanding individual behavior and cultural change.
    • To emphasize the potential benefits of adopting this framework for problem-solving.

    Main Methods:

    • The study reviews and synthesizes existing knowledge on selection by consequences across different domains.

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  • It contrasts this principle with classical mechanics-based explanations.
  • The abstract implies a theoretical and conceptual analysis rather than empirical data collection.

    • Main Results:

    • Selection by consequences is a unifying principle applicable to natural selection, individual behavior, and cultural evolution.
    • This principle provides a more effective explanatory framework than classical mechanics in these areas.
    • There is significant resistance to accepting selection by consequences in fields beyond natural selection.

    Conclusions:

    • The principle of selection by consequences offers a powerful framework for understanding life and its products.
    • Widespread adoption of this principle is essential for scientific progress and addressing contemporary issues.
    • Delays in recognizing its role in behavior and culture may hinder solutions to critical problems.