Theory, Philosophy, and the Practice of Applied Behavior Analysis

TL;DRAbstract

The relevance of behavioral theory and philosophy to the practice of applied behavior analysis is not always immediately apparent, perhaps especially for those with less exposure to the philosophical and theoretical foundation of applied behavior analysis. Moreover, course sequences designed to train behavior analytic practitioners have varying degrees of educational content in the areas of theory and philosophy, perhaps making the relevance of theory and philosophy to the practice of applied behavior analysis even less likely to be known by the growing number of behavior analytic practitioners. The current paper provides an overview of the relevance of theory and philosophy to the everyday practice of applied behavior analysis. It is argued that not only is philosophy relevant to applied behavior analysis, but in fact, that it is fundamental to the application of behavioral principles. Implications for continued professional development are also provided.

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