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Philosophical behaviorism, Identity Theory Behaviourism Philosophical behaviorism, as it is sometimes described, is due to the philosopher Gilbert Ryle (1900 - 1976). Denies the dualist view that mental events are events in a private, inner realm. When properly analysed, things we say about beliefs and pains, f or example, are just observable behaviours. My anger with you is not some modification of a spiritual substance that somehow brings about aggressive behaviour [as the dualist would have us believe]; rather it is the aggressive behaviour itself; my addressing strong words to you, striking you, turning my back on you, and so on. Thought is not an inner process that lies behind, and brings about, the words I speak and write: it is my speaking and writing [and thus exists, contra the eliminative]. The mind is not an inner arena, it is outward ac t. [Armstrong, Reading brick, p. 9 ] The obvious objection: that there can be mental processes going on without there being any accompanying behaviour.
Sophisticated Behaviourism Having a pain is not a matter of how you actually behave, it is rather a matter of how you are disposed to behave. What then is a disposition? Consider fragility. Glass is fragile; it has the disposition to break when lightly struck. That is, it would break were it lightly struck.
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Research essay sample on Philosophical Behaviorism Lightly Struck Behaviour