Understanding Behaviorism: Science, Behavior, and Culture

by William M. Baum and William M Baum

Book Overview

There can be a science of behavior. So proposes the author at the beginning of this book. It discusses what definition of science might suit a science of behaviour and what behaviour might mean for science. It also explores implications of a science of behaviour for purpose, knowledge, freedom, social relationships, culture, cultural change and public policy.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0065002865
• ISBN13: 9780065002867
• Release Date: January 1994
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Length: 255 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Behaviorism? Isn't that only used for autism treatment...?

Of course, the answer to that question is no. Granted, many laypeople in today's world are first hearing about "behaviorism" through their familiarity with applied behavior analysis (ABA) and autism treatment. There is, however, a great deal more to talk about than autism treatment, as Baum details for us. As a college professor who teaches in a graduate program in behavior analysis, this is the first book that I recommend to my students to give them a better idea of the "big picture" of the philosophy of behaviorism and the science of behavior analysis. Baum does a wonderful job describing the relevance of both the philosophy and the science to our world and those who "behave" in it. Understanding the contents of the book should help current behavior analysis "technicians" to become "scholars" in their discipline.