The Pseudo-Science of B. F. Skinner

Over 40 years ago Machan (philosophy emeritus, Auburn U.) had his doubts, and the issues he raised in this, his first book, still linger. Readers from this era will likely find Machan's observations provocative as he calls into question everything from Skinner's methodology to his values, goals and wishes. Machan openly asks whether Skinner's work was in fact science or metaphysics, and defends the notion that humans are fully capable of exercising political and societal liberty, and worthy of dignity as cognitive beings. Aside from the famous chapters on whether Skinner was only attempting to fulfill his own rather morbid fantasies, the chapters defending the necessity of political liberty and maintaining human dignity are now particularly apt. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Tibor Machan is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at Auburn University and the R.C. Hoiles Professor of Business Ethics and Free Enterprise at the Argyros School of Business and Economics at Chapman University, Orange, California. Professor Machan holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of California—Santa Barbara.