Understanding Values: A Contextual Perspective Extending Radical Behaviorism

Behavior analysts grounded in Skinner’s philosophy of radical behaviorism have made significant strides in understanding how behavior is shaped by environmental contingencies. Skinner’s focus on direct contingencies—relationships between antecedents, behaviors, and consequences—has provided a systematic approach to analyzing observable behavior, emphasizing predictability and control. These principles have profoundly influenced both research and practice, offering clarity and precision in understanding human actions.