Although the behavioral psychologist B. F. Skinner (1904–1990) has faded from public view, his paternalistic ideals and advocacy of “positive reinforcement” to achieve them are increasingly popular among policy elites. Skinner’s expertise in designing lab experiments failed to save him from poor reasoning in his works of moral philosophy and utopian fantasy.

Max Hocutt is Professor of Philosophy Emeritus at the University of Alabama.
Culture and SocietyPhilosophy and Religion
Other Independent Review articles by Max Hocutt
Summer 2012 Rights: Rhetoric versus Reality
Winter 2007/08 In Defense of Herbert Spencer
Summer 2005 Sunstein on Rights
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