The War Between Mentalism and Behaviorism: On the Accessibility of Mental Processes

by William R. Uttal

Overview

This book considers one of the most fundamental, but only infrequently considered, issues in psychology--Are mental processes accessible by means of verbal reports and/or experimental assays? It is argues that this is the main characteristic distinguishing between behaviorism and mentalistic cognitivism. The answer posed by the author is that, with few exceptions and for the most fundamental reasons, mental processes are not accessible and that any psychology, such as contemporary cognitivism, based on a putative analysis of mind into its mental components must be fallacious.

Classic and modern arguments against both mentalism and behaviorism are reviewed. In general, it is concluded that most antibehaviorist arguments are based on second order humanistic considerations rather than those underlying the usual scientific standards. Behaviorism represents the best that can be done in a situation of fundamental immeasurability and uncertainty. A modern version is offered in the final chapter of this book.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781135665999
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	09/01/1999
Series:	ISSN
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	218
File size:	299 KB

About the Author

William R. Uttal

Table of Contents

Contents: The Issue--Mentalism Versus Behaviorism. The Critics Speak Against Mentalism. Some Arguments Against Behaviorism. Toward a Renewed and Revitalized Psychophysical Behaviorism. Epilogue: Conclusions and Emerging Principles

Editorial Reviews

Uttal (Arizona State U.) continues his criticism of neurophysiological and cognitive reductionism and defense of a modern version of classic behaviorism, a minority and very unpopular point of view. He confesses that the position is a total reversal of his early training in physiological psychology. He explains that the differences between the two approaches boil down to the questions of accessibility and reduction, but argues that rather than radical poles, mentalism and behaviorism represent a spectrum along which there are many intermediate positions. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

"A respected scientist and author, Uttal argues logically and writes lucidly."
—CHOICE

From the Publisher