B. F. Skinner e as explicações mentalistas para o comportamento: uma análise histórico-conceitual (1931-1959) / B. F. Skinner and mentalistic explanations for behavior: a conceptual historical analysis (1931-1959)

AUTOR(ES)
DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO

2001

RESUMO

One of the main characteristics of B. F. Skinner s Radical Behaviorism (1904-1990) is his constant criticism against mentalistic explanations for behavior. However, the concept of Mentalism itself may have several different meanings. The purpose of this work is to describe what Skinner meant by Mentalism and what criticism he made against it between 1931 and 1959. After analyzing some of Skinners works at that period, it was noticed that the Mentalism criticized between the 30 s and 40 s was the one that was found at Conceptual Physiology and at Tolman, Hull, Boring and Stevens Behaviorism. From the late 40 s to 1959, criticism was directed specially towards Freud s Psychoanalysis and to the Psychology of Consciousness. In relation to the type of criticism made by Skinner, no meaningful change in his argumentation was found. The objections were mainly supported by the non-scientific nature of such explanations, their circularity and reductionism, their negative effect of avoiding the study of behavior in itself, in this way, preventing the identification of the real causes of action, then delaying the creation of a behavioral technology capable of helping to find the solution to human problems. It was also discussed how Antimentalism would be the main reason for the existence of Radical Behaviorism which would be responsible for leading the way to a Science of Behavior that would replace Psychology itself. The possibilities of success of such endeavor will also be evaluated.

ASSUNTO(S)

behaviorismo skinner burrhus frederic 1904-1990 skinner burrhus frederic 1904-1990 behavior mind mente behaviorism comportamento

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