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Science 31 July 1981:
Vol. 213. no. 4507, pp. 501 - 504
DOI: 10.1126/science.7244649
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Articles

Science, Vol 213, Issue 4507, 501-504
Copyright © 1981 by American Association for the Advancement of Science

articles

Selection by consequences

BF Skinner

Selection by consequences is a causal mode found only in living things, or in machines made by living things. It was first recognized in natural selection, but it also accounts for the shaping and maintenance of the behavior of the individual and the evolution of cultures. In al three of these fields, it replaces explanations based on the causal modes of classical mechanics. The replacement is strongly resisted. Natural selection has now made its case, but similar delays in recognizing the role of selection in the other fields could deprive us of valuable help in solving the problems which confront us.


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