Reflections on Behaviorism and Society. Chapter 2: Are We Free to Have a Future? Quote 20

Post author:B. F. Skinner Foundation
Post published:July 16, 2019
Post category:Skinner's Quote of the Day

“It is possible that we shall act more consistently with respect to the future when we see the possibility of building a better world rather than merely fending off disaster.” (p. 30)

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SKINNER'S QUOTE OF THE DAY

Verbal Behavior: Extended Edition. Chapter 4: Verbal Behavior under the Control of Verbal Stimuli. Quote 16
Echoic responses are useful and reinforced when they serve as fill-ins. In answer to the question What will happen to the international situation during the next few weeks? the student may begin During the next few weeks, the international situation…, which may be purely echoic but, especially if the situation demands speed, self-reinforcing if it provides a breathing space for the composition of the rest of the sentence. (p. 57)
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“It is possible that we shall act more consistently with respect to the future when we see the possibility of building a better world rather than merely fending off disaster.” (p. 30)

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