PSY 6870 - Behaviorism and the Philosophy of Science

This course is designed to analyze radical behaviorism as a philosophy of science and to consider how issues raised by the philosophy of science are relevant to behavior analysis. Students will analyze philosophical assumptions underlying scientific practices, examine radical behaviorism’s position on these issues, and consider how a science of behavior might inform our understanding of science. Students will examine the relationship between radical behaviorism and logical positivism and postmodern philosophy. Students will also explore the relationship between behavior analysis and ethics/values, and compare radical behaviorism to other interpretive systems and worldviews.

Note: Open to graduate students only.

Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisites: (PSY 6100 or PSY 6166) and PSY 6760, with a grade of “B” or better in all prerequisites

Credits: 3 hours

Restrictions: Restricted to master’s and doctoral students in Psychology.