The Case of the Anti-spirituality of the Orthodox Behaviorist B. F. Skinner – A Psychobiographic Perspective

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18778/2450-4491.12.12

Keywords:

spirituality, beliefs, nurture

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to show how the religious education that B. F. Skinner experienced changed his perception of man and the world, and ultimately influenced his abandonment of faith and directed him onto the path of radical behaviorism. Analysis of the available literature shows that the difference in the views of Skinner’s opponents (Joseph Wood Krutch, Tomasz Szasz, Ayn Rand) and his allies (Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris) lies in their different upbringing and complex life experiences. Related beliefs influenced their understanding of spirituality and free will.

Author Biographies

Andrzej Pankalla, Uniwersytet Kardynała Stefana Wyszyńskiego w Warszawie

Pankalla, Andrzej – habilitated doctor, professor at the Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw at the Institute of Psychology, head of the Centre for Anthropological Psychology. He specializes in the history of psychology, cultural psychology and psychology of religion. He is the organizer of psychocultural research expeditions (Ecuador, Guatemala, Buryatia, various African countries, etc.). Recently, he published (as a co-author) Indygeniczna psychologia Słowian (The indigenous psychology of the Slavians) (2018).

Agnieszka Wiatrowska, Uniwersytet Adama Mickiewicza

Wiatrowska, Agnieszka – M.A., graduate of the Faculty of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Adam Mickiewicz in Poznan. Passionate about anomalistic psychology and orthodox behaviourism. A fantasy and science-fiction writer (pseudonym Evanna Shamrock).

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Published

2021-06-14

How to Cite

Pankalla, A., & Wiatrowska, A. (2021). The Case of the Anti-spirituality of the Orthodox Behaviorist B. F. Skinner – A Psychobiographic Perspective. Nauki O Wychowaniu. Studia Interdyscyplinarne, 12(1), 179–198. https://doi.org/10.18778/2450-4491.12.12