The hottest Behaviorism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Essay Club: The Origins of Cognitive Thought by B. F. Skinner

Mind & Mythos • 199 implied HN points • 16 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Cognitive Science Behaviorism Critical Thinking
  1. Skinner believed that all behaviors, including thoughts and language, are learned through our environment. He claimed that we respond to rewards and punishments, shaping how we act and think.
  2. He thought that understanding our feelings and thoughts is best achieved by looking at the history and meaning of the words we use to describe them. The words we choose reveal a lot about our experiences and behaviors.
  3. Skinner emphasized the importance of focusing on observable behavior in psychology. He felt that many internal mental states are too complicated and not easily measurable, so we should concentrate on what we can see and test.

Other Minds

Covidian Æsthetics • 11 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Consciousness AI Ethics Existentialism Metaphysics Behaviorism
  1. AI can mimic human-like thinking and creativity, but it does so without true feeling or understanding. It's like a reflection rather than an original.
  2. Different types of consciousness exist on a spectrum, from purely instinctive to fully self-directed. Understanding these types helps us grasp how consciousness behaves across various beings, including AI.
  3. Intersecting types of consciousness create unique experiences and insights, like how human and AI thoughts can influence each other in new and complex ways.

The Stuff of Thought and Feeling

Holodoxa • 59 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
🔬 Science Psychology Evolutionary Psychology Behaviorism Psychometrics
  1. Paul Bloom's book 'Psych' offers a comprehensive overview of modern psychology focusing on foundational concepts and influential psychologists.
  2. The book addresses controversial psychological ideas and presents commentaries on existing research, making it accessible yet thoughtful.
  3. Readers may find particular value in the Foundations and Differences sections, and while the book lacks in-depth methodology discussions, it provides a solid introduction to the field.

Successive approximation

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
🚌 Education Psychology Personal Development Behaviorism Learning Strategies Mindset
  1. Success is not always a straight line; it often involves small steps and gradual improvements. Just like a pigeon learns to peck a target by getting rewarded for getting closer, we can make progress by celebrating small wins.
  2. It's important to recognize and celebrate your efforts, even if the outcome isn't perfect. Starting a conversation or trying something new are achievements worth acknowledging.
  3. Taking the initiative, even without clear rewards or support, is valuable. Doing things the right way can build your skills and confidence over time, even if results aren't immediate.
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Morning / Routine

Splattern • 0 implied HN points • 06 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Routine Mental health Productivity Behaviorism Lifestyle
  1. A morning routine can start off helpful but may become overwhelming if you add too many activities. It's important to keep it simple so it remains effective.
  2. The main goal of a morning routine is to help you start your day quickly and focus on what's most important to you. For some, that could be meditating or writing.
  3. Having a structured schedule, like B.F. Skinner’s strict routine, can actually give you more freedom and productivity. Finding the right balance between structure and flexibility is key.