B. F. Skinner

B. F. Skinner was an American psychologist, behaviorist, author, inventor, and social philosopher. He was a professor of psychology at Harvard University from 1958 until his retirement in 1974. Skinner is known for his work on operant conditioning and for his invention of the Skinner box.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Walden Two

    "Walden Two" is a utopian novel that presents an experimental community where happiness, productivity, and quality of life are the main goals. The community is guided by the principles of behavioral science, and it emphasizes the importance of cultural and environmental conditioning in shaping human behavior. The book explores the idea of an ideal society, free from the problems of modern civilization, through the eyes of a professor and his two ex-students who visit the community.

    The 2414th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Beyond Freedom and Dignity

    This book is a controversial exploration of human behavior that challenges the idea of free will and individual autonomy, arguing instead that human behavior is largely determined by environmental factors. The author proposes that societal issues such as overpopulation, war, and pollution can be addressed by using behavioral science to shape human actions. The book also criticizes traditional notions of punishment and reward, suggesting that these methods are ineffective in influencing behavior.

    The 5673rd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Behavior Of Organisms

    An Experimental Analysis

    The book presents a comprehensive analysis of behavior through the lens of experimental research, focusing on the principles of operant conditioning. It explores how behavior is influenced by environmental stimuli and the consequences that follow, emphasizing the role of reinforcement in shaping and maintaining behavior. The work systematically documents various experiments and observations, providing a foundation for understanding behavior as a subject of natural science. Through meticulous study, it lays the groundwork for behavior analysis, highlighting the predictability and control of behavior through scientific methods.