Description
Book SynopsisThe Pseudo-Science of B.F. Skinner was Professor Tibor Machan''s first book. Now, nearly forty years after its initial publication and after three dozen additional books published by Machan, it is available again through University Press of America. This study is still alive with its initial inquiry into the work of B.F. Skinner, and it is just as influential upon young students today as it was forty years ago. Was Skinner a bona fide scientist or an amateur metaphysician? Was Skinner correct to hold that only what can be observed matters when it comes to understanding ourselves? Was he correct that free will is fictional and morality is pre-scientific? Professor Machan''s fascinating inquiry into Skinner''s radical studies is a salute and a challenge to the corpus of his work.
Trade ReviewAnyone who has interests within the behavioral and social sciences...should read this book. The issues raised by Machan [in 1973] remain pertinent today... -- Robert W. Proctor and Daniel J. Weeks * The American Journal Of Psychology, Summer 1990 *
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Science vs. Liberty Part 2 Part I Chapter 3 Skinner vs. Freedom, Dignity, and Liberty Chapter 4 Is Skinnerism Science? Part 5 Simple and Complex Reductionism Chapter 6 The Values, Goals, and Wishes of B.F. Skinner Part 7 Part II Chapter 8 Science, Philosophy, and the Division of Labors Chapter 9 Man, Science, and Freedom of Choice Chapter 10 In Defense of Political Liberty Chapter 11 Dignity—Its Best Chance in Freedom Part 12 Endnotes Part 13 Bibliography Part 14 Index
