Burrhus F. Skinner: The Shaping of Behaviour

ISBN-13: 9780230218666 / Angielski / Miękka / 2009 / 150 str.

Frederick Toates

Opis

This is an illuminating and balanced introduction to one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century whose ideas continue to polarize opinion today. Skinners views on behaviorism, family and inter-group conflict, and penal policy still hold importance for modern researchers and Toates critically assesses how these ideas can be applied.

Spis treści

Who was B.F. Skinner?.- Biography, Background and Impact.- Looking at the Evidence.- Linking Skinner to Other Perspectives on Behaviour.- The Relationship with Biology.- Determinism, Freedom and Autonomy.- Skinnerian Advice for Living Life.- Social Policy.- Development and Education.- Helping to Ease Human Suffering.- Ethics, Religion and the Skinnerian Good Life.- The Environment and a Sustainable Future.- Conclusions.

O autorze

FREDERICK TOATES is Professor of Biological Psychology at the Open University. In addition to publishing widely in peer-reviewed journals, Fred has contributed materials to several Open University course texts and is also author of  Biological Psychology (Pearson Education).

Blurb

As the world faces up to the challenges of climate change and the threat to security, Skinner's contributions on these issues continue to resonate today. In this stimulating introduction for students and general readers, Toates places Skinner's ideas within the context of mainstream psychological thought, presenting a balanced synthesis of the psychologist's work and his approach. The author reveals the links between Skinner's perspective and other branches of psychology, highlighting his solutions to problems at individual, society and global levels.