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Chiesa, 1994

APA Citation

Chiesa, M. (1994). Radical Behaviorism: The Philosophy and the Science. Littleton, MA: Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies.

Publication Topic
Other Third-Wave Therapies: Conceptual
Publication Type
Book
Language
English
Abstract

To a greater extent than any other behavioral formulation, Radical Behaviorism has abandoned mechanistic explanation. Like Darwin, B.F. Skinner adopted selection as a causal mode. He applied that mode himself to the behavior of the individual, pointing out but leaving it to others to unravel the causal role of selection in the behavior of a social culture. Also, Radical Behaviorism parts company with traditional behaviorists who pronounce private experience and thinking to be outside the domain of science. Misconceptions, misinterpretations, and misrepresentations have kept the humanity and the promise of this approach to behavioral science from those who would have welcomed and used it if they had been properly informed.