Reflections on Behaviorism and Society. Chapter 2: Are We Free to Have a Future? Quote 4

Post author:B. F. Skinner Foundation
Post published:June 24, 2019
Post category:Skinner's Quote of the Day

“What does it mean to say that a person “takes the future into account” or acts in a given way “because of” something that will happen in the future? Can anything have an effect before it occurs?” (p. 18)

PLEASE CONSIDER BECOMING A SUSTAINER:

The B. F. Skinner Foundation is a charitable 501(c) (3) organization, EIN 42-1325722. Contributions are tax-deductible for income, gift, and estate taxes. All proceeds support the B. F. Skinner Foundation and enable us to continue our important work. Thank you to all of current and previous donors for helping us continue our mission of Better Behavioral Science for a More Humane World!

From now through August 31, the paperback edition of Verbal Behavior: Extended Edition is just $15 in the B. F. Skinner Foundation's bookstore.

Even better, every copy includes our exclusive companion Study Guide!

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL!

For a deep dive into the Skinnerian approach to verbal behavior and its everyday applications, please register for the Fall 2026 Skinner Session. The online event, titled Verbal Behavior in Action, will take place on October 23, 2026. It features a talk from Andre Anderson, who will examine, in his unique way, "how principles from B. F. Skinner’s Verbal Behavior can be applied to spoken word poetry to promote sustainable behavior change" (1.5 CEUs). Dave Palmer and David Roth will discuss Skinner's 1967 seminar on verbal behavior from recently discovered audiotapes (1.5 CEUs). Last but not least, Emily Kerwin with lead the panel discussion with clinicians using Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior across a variety of service settings (1.5 CEUs). Sign up now to enjoy the early bird special pricing when you register for all three!

The newest addition to the Skinner for the 21st Century series, Upon Further Reflection: Extended Edition, is available in paperback! A PDF version of the book is also available.

SKINNER'S QUOTE OF THE DAY

“What does it mean to say that a person “takes the future into account” or acts in a given way “because of” something that will happen in the future? Can anything have an effect before it occurs?” (p. 18)

You Might Also Like

Science and Human Behavior, Chapter 6: Shaping and Maintaining Operant Behavior, Quote 5

Verbal Behavior: Extended Edition. Supplemental Material: The Evolution of Verbal Behavior. Quote 13

About Behaviorism, Chapter 14: Summing Up, Quote 11