Behavior analysis and neuroscience: an evaluation of the effects of that synthesis...
Interlocutions between the philosophies of Skinner and Maturana in the study of be...
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Behavior analysis and neuroscience: in search of a possible synthesis
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| Author(s): |
Diego Zilio Alves
Total Authors: 1
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| Document type: | Doctoral Thesis |
| Press: | São Paulo. |
| Institution: | Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Psicologia (IP/SBD) |
| Defense date: | 2013-08-06 |
| Examining board members: |
Maria Helena Leite Hunziker;
Kester Carrara;
Marcus Bentes de Carvalho Neto;
Julio Cesar Coelho de Rose;
João de Fernandes Teixeira
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| Advisor: | Maria Helena Leite Hunziker; Kester Carrara |
| Abstract | |
The aim of this work was to propose a possible synthesis between behavior analysis and neuroscience through the exam of its theoretical and philosophical foundations. To do so, we started by providing answers to the following questions regarding Skinners ideas about neuroscience: (a) What arguments did Skinner present in order to justify the independence of behavior analysis from physiology? (b) What were his criticisms against physiological explanations of behavior? (c) Who were the main targets of Skinners criticism? (d) What was for him the real function of neuroscience in the explanation of behavior? We proceeded then to the analysis of neurosciences theoretical and philosophical foundations. This analysis was based upon two main metatheories associated to the field: the cognitive metatheory, related to cognitive neuroscience, and the mechanistic metatheory, related to cellular and molecular neuroscience. We concluded that while cognitive metatheory is incompatible with behavior analysis, there are relevant similarities between the mechanistic thinking and radical behaviorism. The final chapter was dedicated to the discussion of some topics related to this matter, among which were the similarities between radical behaviorism and mechanistic metatheory; the integrative and decentralized approach called behavioral system; Skinners operationism and the meaning of psychological terms; and the very importance of the synthesis between behavior analysis and neuroscience to the explanation of behavior (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 09/18324-1 - Behavior analysis and neuroscience: an evaluation of the effects of that synthesis on radical behaviorism philosophy. |
| Grantee: | Diego Zilio Alves |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate |