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| Hermeneutic Inquiry and Behavior Analysis |
| Monday, May 31, 2004 |
| 3:00 PM–4:20 PM |
| Independence East |
| Area: TPC; Domain: Applied Research |
| Chair: Rodney L. Klein (Concord College) |
| Abstract: . |
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| Hermeneutics and Behavior-Analytic Philosophy of Science |
| CHRIS J. KAST (Concord College) |
| Abstract: The talk will introduce the audience to hermeneutic inquiry and describe why behavior analysts might find it useful. First, a brief examination of the origins of Hermeneutics will be presented. Then its introduction into the sciences will be explored. The hermeneutic method of inquiry will be compared and contrasted with mainstream empiricism, and examined as a possible source to fix flaws inherent in empiricism's basic philosophy. Finally, the relevance of hermeneutics for the behavior analytic philosophy of science will be examined. It is argued that hermeneutics is a potentially useful tool for behavior analysts. |
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| Hermeneutics and Behavior-Analytic Methodology |
| SAM LEIGLAND (Gonzaga University) |
| Abstract: A remarkable diversity of complex perspectives may be found under the name 'hermeneutics,' including theological, philosophical, social/cultural, and psychological perspectives. Nevertheless, a number of behavior analysts have described characteristics that Skinner's radical behaviorism has in common with hermeneutics as well as with other philosophical systems such as pragmatism. A unifying theme among hermeneutic perspectives is its emphasis upon the study and use of interpretive practices in language and human behavior. The purpose of this presentation is to review some of the implications of the shared characteristics between radical behaviorism and hermeneutics regarding methodology, namely, implications of relations between the scientific methodology of behavior analysis on the one hand, and interpretive practices as behavioral phenomena on the other. Two themes will be the focus of the presentation. One theme involves alternative interpretations by observers of environment-behavior interactions in the operant laboratory, and the other theme involves ways in which behavior-analytic methods may be used to clarify or 'confirm' interpretations of behavioral phenomena. Hazards and benefits of relating radical behaviorism to such philosophical systems as hermeneutics and pragmatism will also be discussed. |
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| Hermeneutics and Behavior-Analysis: a Potentially Pragmatic Combination in the Therapy Room |
| KAREN H. GRIFFEE (Concord College) |
| Abstract: Clinical behavior analysis applies the pragmatic goals of prediction and control, or effective action, to the treatment of problem behaviors. In so doing the central focus of therapy is typically the identification of the determinants of the problem behavior and to discover what contingencies might be arranged by the therapist to support behavior change. It is suggested that hermeneutic methods of inquiry may be compatible with radical behaviorism and may provide alternative tools for achieving these pragmatic goals. In particular, hermaneutic approaches may provide useful alternatives when culture, age, or intellectual differences lead the therapist to have unusual difficulty doing an accurate functional analysis. |
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