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Reviewers have characterized Paul Naour's A Dialogue Between Sociobiology and Radical Behaviorism, which includes brief introductions by E.O. Wilson and B.F. Skinner's elder daughter, Julie Vargus, as an idea book. The work will undoubtedly have a significant academic market and provide students and scholars in biology, ethology, psychology, anthropology, sociology and economics a strong foundation in twentieth century history and systems.
Praise for A Dialogue Between Sociobiology and Radical Behaviorism:
- E.O. Wilson says of the book: ". . . excellent, an outstanding addition to the history of ideas. It will put Fred Skinner back in the pantheon and, providing context, serve as an excellent introduction to the content and central truths in radical behaviorism. Needless to say, I'm also grateful to have my work following Sociobiology given proper attention."
-David Sloan Wilson, author of Darwin's Cathedral writes: "E.O. Wilson and B.F. Skinner agreed that the human capacity for change is both a product of genetic evolution and an evolutionary process in its own right. Yet, the paradigms of sociobiology and radical behaviorism went in very different directions. Paul Naour's insightful analysis of a taped conversation between Wilson and Skinner goes beyond the historical significance of the conversation and helps to integrate the two paradigms for the future."
-Carl Haywood writes: "The present question is whether evolution by natural selection is a useful set of concepts for the development of psychology. Naour's proposed confluence of radical behaviorism and sociobiology suggests not only that it is, but also that radical behaviorism shares with sociobiology a debt and an allegiance to Darwinism."
List of 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
Reviewers have characterized Paul Naour's A Dialogue Between Sociobiology and Radical Behaviorism, which includes brief introductions by E.O. Wilson and B.F. Skinner's elder daughter, Julie Vargus, as an idea book. The work will undoubtedly have a significant academic market and provide students and scholars in biology, ethology, psychology, anthropology, sociology and economics a strong foundation in twentieth century history and systems.
Praise for A Dialogue Between Sociobiology and Radical Behaviorism:
- E.O. Wilson says of the book: ". . . excellent, an outstanding addition to the history of ideas. It will put Fred Skinner back in the pantheon and, providing context, serve as an excellent introduction to the content and central truths in radical behaviorism. Needless to say, I'm also grateful to have my work following Sociobiology given proper attention."
-David Sloan Wilson, author of Darwin’s Cathedral writes: "E.O. Wilson and B.F. Skinner agreed that the human capacity for change is both a product of genetic evolution and an evolutionary process in its own right. Yet, the paradigms of sociobiology and radical behaviorism went in very different directions. Paul Naour's insightful analysis of a taped conversation between Wilson and Skinner goes beyond the historical significance of the conversation and helps to integrate the two paradigms for the future."
-Carl Haywood writes: "The present question is whether evolution by natural selection is a useful set of concepts for the development of psychology. Naour’s proposed confluence of radical behaviorism and sociobiology suggests not only that it is, but also that radical behaviorism shares with sociobiology a debt and an allegiance to Darwinism."
Additional text
From the reviews:
“Paul Naour’s book is a modest, introductory attempt to identify points of contact between two of the most notable life scientists of the 20th century … . Naour’s volume should be appeal to those wanting an introduction to or review of Skinner’s ideas, to those curious about the Wilson-Skinner meeting, and to professors teaching upper-level undergraduate courses on learning and behavior, who might elect to use the book as the foundation for a seminar.” (Clara B. Jones, American Journal of Psychology, Spring, 2011)
Report
From the reviews:
"Paul Naour's book is a modest, introductory attempt to identify points of contact between two of the most notable life scientists of the 20th century ... . Naour's volume should be appeal to those wanting an introduction to or review of Skinner's ideas, to those curious about the Wilson-Skinner meeting, and to professors teaching upper-level undergraduate courses on learning and behavior, who might elect to use the book as the foundation for a seminar." (Clara B. Jones, American Journal of Psychology, Spring, 2011)
