B. F. Ignorance

[From Rick Marken (991213.2100)]

Bruce Abbott (991213.2155 EST)

I've read quite a bit of Skinner's work, and I can't recall
him stating _any_ ideas about parenting that could be
characterized as "ignorant and cruel." So please, don't
leave me in ignorance. Show me the evidence in Skinner's
writing to back up this astonishing (not to mention libelous)
assertion.

Skinner's ideas about all behavior (parenting is one kind of
behavior) were ignorant because he had no idea that human
behavior is aimed at satisfying internal wants and needs. His
ideas were cruel because he recommended depriving people
(unnecessarily) of what they want or need ("reinforcers")
until they did what you want.

Best

Rick

ยทยทยท

---
Richard S. Marken Phone or Fax: 310 474-0313
Life Learning Associates e-mail: rmarken@earthlink.net
http://home.earthlink.net/~rmarken/