A history of the term radical behaviorism: From Watson to Skinner

Abstract

Describes the origins and evolution of the term radical behaviorism, tracing it through the thought of J. B. Watson (published 1913-1930) and B. F. Skinner (published 1931-1983). It is asserted that, today, radical behaviorism is generally applied to Skinner's views alone. A brief discussion of a similarity in Watson's and Skinner's positions on consciousness, which seems a possible historical and philosophical connection between their respective radical behaviorisms, is included.