Philosophy of the mind

Behaviorism and Positivism

Behaviorism basically believes in the laws of the observable. It is based on rational, scientific, factual data. "The behaviorist school of thought maintains that behaviors as such can be described scientifically without recourse either to internal physiological events or to hypothetical constructs such as the mind" (Wikipedia, 2010). Positivism believes in scientific method is the best way to explain human events and physical events. Behaviorism and positivism is working together mainly because the behaviorist believes that positivists' analysis of science is correct. "Positivism is based on pro-observation in comparison with other means of justifying scientific claims, and emphasizes verification" (Persson, 2010). Behaviorism and positivism are very similar because they both believe in science and observable, verifiable data.

In the early 1900's psychology was not based on pure science. It was known as a study of the mind, and there were not a lot of documented ways of researching and verifying data. In the early 1930's prior to the war positivism came to America. Positivism and Behaviorism slowly merged and created a new Psychology. Psychology today is now based on positivism and behaviorism, the theories are rooted in science and the constructs are based on verifiable data. The main reason these two schools of thought have joined together is because of their belief in how science applies to psychology. The main premise for this joining of positivism and behaviorism is the verifiable data and use of science.

Positivism is in favor of strong behaviorism because according to Koch behaviorism is considered a viable approach to psychology (Smith, 1986). This premise is a major strength for behaviorism since behaviorism has helped revolutionize psychology. Behaviorism utilization of science and dependence on verifiable data is significant in the field of psychology. This was the birth of the new psychology. "Behaviorism was the only, or at least the most detailed, uncompromising, and sophisticated, serious attempt ever made to develop a science on methodological principles alone" (Smith, 1986). We can believe in behaviorism because Psychology now is based on observable data, verifiable data and theories grounded in science.