Quotes from book
Beyond Freedom and Dignity

Beyond Freedom and Dignity
B.F. Skinner

Beyond Freedom and Dignity is a 1971 book by American psychologist B. F. Skinner. Skinner argues that entrenched belief in free will and the moral autonomy of the individual hinders the prospect of using scientific methods to modify behavior for the purpose of building a happier and better-organized society.

B.F. Skinner photo

“A person who has been punished is not thereby simply less inclined to behave in a given way; at best, he learns how to avoid punishment.”

B.F. Skinner book Beyond Freedom and Dignity

Source: Beyond Freedom and Dignity (1972).

B.F. Skinner photo

“We admire people to the extent that we cannot explain what they do, and the word "admire" then means "marvel at."”

B.F. Skinner book Beyond Freedom and Dignity

Beyond Freedom and Dignity (1972).

B.F. Skinner photo

“Ethical control may survive in small groups, but the control of the population as a whole must be delegated to specialists—to police, priests, owners, teachers, therapists, and so on, with their specialized reinforcers and their codified contingencies.”

B.F. Skinner book Beyond Freedom and Dignity

Beyond Freedom and Dignity, New York: Knopf, 1971 p. 155

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