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E-book
Author Naour, Paul.

Title E.O. Wilson and B.F. Skinner : a dialogue between sociobiology and radical behaviorism / by Paul Naour
Published New York ; London : Springer, 2009

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Description 1 online resource
Series Developments in primatology : progress and prospects
Developments in primatology.
Contents "Selection by consequences" : the essential B.F. Skinner -- Human sociobiology : the essential E.O. Wilson -- A consilient view of B.F. Skinner and E.O. Wilson : the operant foundation of sociobiology -- Conversation between B.F. Skinner and E.O. Wilson -- To what beginning? -- The challenge : a more integrated approach to human nature
Summary "This is going to be a conversation that I will have with B.F. Skinner. This is Ed Wilson. He invited me by to talk about sociobiology." Thus began a 1987 conversation between E.O. Wilson, who embodies sociobiology, and B.F. Skinner, who personifies radical behaviorism. The two Harvard colleagues shared a common interest--but very different perspectives--in behavior, human nature, and culture. They also shared years of exaggerated and ideologically-based claims regarding the perceived controversial nature of their work. However, the passage of over twenty years places their conversation in a very different evolutionary context that is the unifying theme of this book and Paul Naour's inspiration to cleverly describe the relationship of their work. Naour uses the conversation as a centerpiece around which he offers readers thought-provoking insight regarding how we can push the rigid boundaries of discipline-based dogmatism to understand the evolutionary relationships between sociobiology and radical behaviorism. Wilson (1998) challenges us to understand a "balanced perspective cannot be acquired by studying disciplines in pieces but through pursuit of the consilience among them. Such unification will come hard." Wilson recently observed that" What (Naour) has written is excellent, and will be an outstanding addition to the history of ideas." During this sesquicentennial year of The Origin of Species and the bicentennial of Darwin's birth, B.F. Skinner and E.O. Wilson: A Dialogue Between Radical Behaviorism and Sociobiology is an essential read for anyone interested in the evolutionary basis of human behavior. The book challenges readers to push beyond the boundaries of Wilson and Skinner, suggests relationships to current work, and inspires curiosity regarding how that work can provide additional insight to the biological basis of human culture. It will also appeal to those with interest in the contemporary history of science or psychology, and is written for a broad readership to provoke renewed consideration of Wilson and Skinner
Bibliography Includes bibliographical references and index
Notes Print version record
Subject Wilson, Edward O
Skinner, B. F. (Burrhus Frederic), 1904-1990.
SUBJECT Skinner, B. F. (Burrhus Frederic), 1904-1990 fast
Wilson, Edward O. fast
Subject Sociobiology.
Behaviorism (Psychology)
Biology.
Life sciences.
Physical sciences.
Psychology.
Behavioral Sciences
Psychological Theory
Biology
Biological Science Disciplines
Psychological Phenomena and Processes
Behavioral Disciplines and Activities
Psychiatry and Psychology
Natural Science Disciplines
Disciplines and Occupations
Behaviorism
Sociobiology
behavioral sciences.
biology.
biological sciences.
physical sciences.
SOCIAL SCIENCE -- Essays.
Sciences de la vie.
Biomédecine.
Physical sciences
Life sciences
Biology
Behaviorism (Psychology)
Sociobiology
Form Electronic book
ISBN 9780387894621
0387894624
0387894616
9780387894614