Philosophical Analysis and Psychological Theories of Man

FAIN: FF-10348-74

Theodore Mischel
SUNY Research Foundation, Binghamton (Binghamton, NY 13902-4400)

To examine the relevance of philosophical analysis for psychological theories of man. Recent work in the philosophy of mind, the theory of action, and the philosophy of science will be used in a critical analysis of the basic concepts and assumptions of Skinner's behaviorism, Freudian psychoanalysis, and Piaget's theory of cognitivie and moral development. Discussion will focus on such questions as: Is the notion that man is an autonomous agent a myth? Does consciousness make a difference to behavior? Can we make sense of language as "conditioned verbal behavior"? Are mentalistic explanations unscientific?