Interpretation: An Aim and A Method of B. F. Skinner’s Science

Abstract This paper has the general purpose of presenting Skinner’s vision of interpretation, both as aim and method. Besides, it has as specific purposes (a) to define interpretation, according to Skinner; (b) to indicate when and how the author defends its accomplishment; (c) to relate interpretation with other aims and methods proposed by Skinner; (d) to indicate contributions and limits of interpretation, according to the author. In this regard, we examined 35 texts of Skinner related to the subject, published between 1931 and 1990. Both as aim and method, we show that interpretation offers theoretical, methodological, and technological contributions to Skinner’s science, although it presents limits related to its inferential and speculative nature, as well as to its plausible and sometimes temporary format.

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Malavazzi,Dante Marino, Micheletto,Nilza
Format: Digital revista
Language:English
Published: Instituto de Psicologia, Universidade de Brasília 2021
Online Access:http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0102-37722021000100308
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Summary:Abstract This paper has the general purpose of presenting Skinner’s vision of interpretation, both as aim and method. Besides, it has as specific purposes (a) to define interpretation, according to Skinner; (b) to indicate when and how the author defends its accomplishment; (c) to relate interpretation with other aims and methods proposed by Skinner; (d) to indicate contributions and limits of interpretation, according to the author. In this regard, we examined 35 texts of Skinner related to the subject, published between 1931 and 1990. Both as aim and method, we show that interpretation offers theoretical, methodological, and technological contributions to Skinner’s science, although it presents limits related to its inferential and speculative nature, as well as to its plausible and sometimes temporary format.