Author Question: Skinner believed people are not responsible for their actions, because: a. their instincts of ... (Read 55 times)

joe · **on:** Jun 21, 2018

Skinner believed people are not responsible for their actions, because:

a. their instincts of aggression are inborn.
b. they operate in predictable ways, controlled by external variables.
c. the inherent tendency of the human species is selfishness.
d. of the concept of free will.

Question 2

On the issue of free will versus determinism, Skinner believed people function:

a. in accordance with inner being.
c. like machines.
b. by genetic factors.
d. by unconscious conflicts.

lin77x · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 21, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
FEEDBACK: From Skinner's scholarly writings to his popular novel about a utopian society based on operant conditioning his message is the same: Behavior is controlled by reinforcers. In a sense, this means that it is pointless to blame or punish people for their actions. In this view, a dictator who orders the mass killing of thousands of people, or a serial killer who murders a dozen, can no more be held responsible for their actions than can a driverless car that plunges down a hill. Both operate in lawful, predictable ways, controlled by external variables.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
FEEDBACK: From Skinner's scholarly writings to his popular novel about a utopian society based on operant conditioning his message is the same: Behavior is controlled by reinforcers. On the issue of free will versus determinism, Skinner believed people function like machines, in lawful, orderly, predetermined ways. He rejected all suggestions of an inner being or autonomous self that determines a course of action or chooses to act freely and spontaneously.