B. F. Skinner e o mentalismo: uma análise histórico-conceitual (1931-1959) / B. F. Skinner and mentalism: a conceptual and historical analysis (1931-1959)

RESUMO

Uma das principais características do Behaviorismo Radical de B. F. Skinner (1904-1990) seria sua crítica sistemática às explicações mentalistas para o comportamento. O objetivo do trabalho foi descrever o que Skinner definia por mentalismo e que críticas fazia a ele entre 1931 e 1959. Com base em trabalhos do próprio autor, observou-se que o mentalismo criticado entre os anos 30 e 40 foi principalmente o presente na Fisiologia Conceitual e nos Behaviorismos de Tolman, Hull, Boring e Stevens. Do final dos anos 40 até 1959, a crítica era dirigida à Psicanálise de Freud e à Psicologia da Consciência. Em relação aos tipos de críticas, não foram observadas mudanças significativas. Discute-se o lugar e a função do antimentalismo no Behaviorismo Radical.(AU)

ABSTRACT

One of the main characteristics of B. F. Skinner's Radical Behaviorism (1904-1990) is his constant criticism against mentalistic explanations for behavior. The purpose of this work was to describe what Skinner meant by mentalism and what criticisms he made against it between 1931 and 1959. After analyzing some of Skinners' works at that period, it was noticed that the mentalism criticized between the 30's and 40's was the one that was found in Conceptual Physiology and in Tolman, Hull, Boring, and Stevens' Behaviorism. From the late 40's to 1959, criticism was directed especially towards Freud's Psychoanalysis and to Psychology of Consciousness. In relation to the type of criticism made by Skinner, no meaningful change in his argumentation was found. It was also discussed the importance and the function of antimentalism in Radical Behaviorism.(AU)