Beyond Freedom & Dignity

Did you enjoy reading Skinner's Beyond Freedom and Dignity? If you did, you are a better person than I am!

Anyways, as difficult as the reading was, Skinner has some provocative thoughts on the nature of the human condition. The implications of his theory are also significant because they would offer a solution to the many problems which have plagued humans from the beginning of time.

Consider the idea of human freedom (autonomous man) and tell us if you agree with Skinner that no man is truly free. Then depending on whether you agree or not, evaluate whether humans can ever create the "perfect society" implied in Skinner's Beyond Freedom and Dignity.

Spend some time pondering these issues and considering the questions in the excerpt before writing. Blog is due on Monday, November 24.

Operant Conditioning Reading, p. 205-220

After reading about Operant Conditioning, do the following two things:

1. Ask B.F. Skinner 2 questions concerning Operant Conditioning. They can be philosophical in nature or they can be for clarification of something you do not understand.

2. Briefly explain the essential difference between operant and classical conditioning.

Blog is due by Thursday, November 20.

Something random

Just say whatever comes to your mind! You do not need to respond if you do not want to respond. This is really just a chance for someone in the class to respond before Natalie.

Reading, p 186-191 - Classical Conditioning

This section tells us the dynamics involved in Pavlov's accidental discovery of Classical Conditioning. Do you believe an understanding of this phenomena gives us insight into certain human behaviors? Which ones? Predict how this concept can be applied to humans.

Post blog by Friday, November 14.