Journal article
Operant Conditioning and Teleology
Philosophy of science, v 47(4), pp 568-582
01 Dec 1980
Abstract
This paper defends the relevance of Taylor's (1964) critique of S-R behaviorism to Skinner's model of operant conditioning. In particular, it is argued against Ringen (1976) that the model of operant conditioning is a nonteleological variety of explanation. Operant conditioning is shown unable, on this account, to provide a parsimonious and predictive explanation of the behavior of higher level organisms. Finally, it is shown that the principle of operant conditioning implicitly assumes a teleological capacity, the admission of which renders the principle of operant conditioning superfluous.
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Details
- Title
- Operant Conditioning and Teleology
- Creators
- Douglas V. Porpora - Temple College
- Publication Details
- Philosophy of science, v 47(4), pp 568-582
- Publisher
- Philosophy of Science Association
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Communication
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:A1980LJ09000004
- Other Identifier
- 991021863121204721
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- Web of Science research areas
- History & Philosophy Of Science