Creativity and the radical behaviorism of B. F. Skinner
Creativity and the radical behaviorism of B. F. Skinner
Author(s): MURRAY J. GODDARDSubject(s): Comparative Psychology, Behaviorism
Published by: Addleton Academic Publishers
Keywords: creativity; determinism; free will; radical behaviorism; B. F. Skinner; unconscious;
Summary/Abstract: Major creative insights may challenge the fundamental assumptions of a discipline and may generate vigorous (and negative) reactions. Further, such creative insights may require that a scholar courageously defies the crowd and zeitgeist, strives to overcome obstacles and challenges to their views, and develops a strong work ethic that facilitates creativity. B. F. Skinner’s radical behaviorism is considered as a prototypical example of a major creative insight and current psychological research is discussed that supports Skinner’s writings. In addition to showing how radical behaviorism was a major creative insight, the present article evaluates Skinner’s writings with the aim to “buy low and sell high” as advocated by an investment approach to creativity (Sternberg & Lubart 1995)
Journal: Creativity
- Issue Year: 6/2024
- Issue No: 2
- Page Range: 89-103
- Page Count: 15
- Language: English
- Content File-PDF