Dictionary

philosophical behaviorist en · NOUN

Etymology

From philosophical + behaviorist.

Meanings

1. Synonym of behaviorist.
   • The goal is to translate terms that purport to refer to mental activity into terms that speak only of behaviors or propensities to behave in certain ways. Thus, the philosophical behaviorist does not eliminate mental discourse, but offers a way to legitimize it. 1988, William Bechtel, Philosophy of Mind: An Overview for Cognitive Science, Hillsdale, New Jersey; Hove; London: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, →ISBN, →LCCN, page 89:
   • If, as the philosophical behaviorist claims, to want a coffee is to be disposed to drink coffee, then it is no surprise that someone who wants a coffee tends to drink one. 2005, Ian Ravenscroft, Philosophy of Mind: A Beginner's Guide, New York: Oxford University Press, →ISBN, page 28:
   • Mental states and behaviorial^([sic]) dispositions are therefore very closely, intimately connected—just as the Philosophical Behaviorist insists. 2010, Andrew Pessin, Philosophy of Mind, Recorded Books, →ISBN, page 22:

Forms

Synonyms

behaviorist