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Science Forum Index » Cognitive Science Forum » Dialogue the Second with a Behaviorist
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| Lester Zick |
 Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2003 6:45 pm |
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Guest
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Dialogue the Second with a Behaviorist
I was just leaving my club in Baker Street when I chanced once again
upon my behaviorist acquaintence and the following dialogue ensued:
Behaviorist: "Hmm. Well, well."
I: "Yes, well, I've er had an opportunity to reconsider my thoughts on
the subject."
Behaviorist: "Quite so old sprout? You do have your lucid moments
don't you. Even though scarcely of our persuasion, what!"
I: "Well, yes. It seems so many take your spin on things. I mean what
if you're right?"
Behaviorist: "No "if" about it, old socks. Now if you don't mind I'm
just on my way to a session of the submissions subcommittee for the
JEAB."
Having said which there remarkably chanced to cross our paths a dog
walking backward. So startled was I that I pointed and exclaimed:
I: "God!"
Behaviorist: "My dear fellow. Have you taken complete leave of your
senses? No such thing. Merely a metaphor. Explains your behavior I
rather expect."
I: "But no! Surely you know what I meant?"
Behaviorist: "And surely I do. Your stimulus control and verbal
emissions are indicative of a complete breakdown. I recommend a
fortnight of contemplative bed rest at least."
I: "But surely you saw? The dog was walking backward. That's why I
said what I said."
Behaviorist: "Nonsense. You said what you said because that's what
you're conditioned to say under the environmental contingency of a dog
walking backward. Strange though I have to admit. Wonder what Quine
would have thought?"
I: "But . . ." I stammered "the dog was walking backward. So I said it
was god!"
Behaviorist: "Nonsense. Dunno what you're talking about. Do be a good
fellow and hail a taxi will you? Late for the session, what."
I: "Don't suppose JEAB might be interested in a little humor? In a
jugular vein to lighten up the proceedings, what?"
But my behaviorist acquaintence was already loudly in the taxi
muttering something to himself about when will they ever learn?
But as before I had a hard time making out who he was referring to.
Regards - Lester |
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