"This is going to be a conversation that I will have with B.F. Skinner. This is Ed Wilson. He invited me by to talk about sociobiology." Thus began a 1987 conversation between E.O. Wilson, who embodies sociobiology, and B.F. Skinner, who personifies radical behaviorism. The two Harvard colleagues shared a common interest-but very different perspectives-in behavior, human nature, and culture. They also shared years of exaggerated and ideologically-based claims regarding the perceived controversial nature of their work. However, the passage of over twenty years places their conversation in a very different evolutionary context that is the unifying theme of this book and Paul Naour's inspiration to cleverly describe the relationship of their work.

Naour uses the conversation as a centerpiece around which he offers readers thought-provoking insight regarding how we can push the rigid boundaries of discipline-based dogmatism to understand the evolutionary relationships between sociobiology and radical behaviorism. Wilson (1998) challenges us to understand a "balanced perspective cannot be acquired by studying disciplines in pieces but through pursuit of the consilience among them. Such unification will come hard." Wilson recently observed that" What (Naour) has written is excellent, and will be an outstanding addition to the history of ideas."

During this sesquicentennial year of The Origin of Species and the bicentennial of Darwin's birth, B.F. Skinner and E.O. Wilson: A Dialogue Between Radical Behaviorism and Sociobiology is an essential read for anyone interested in the evolutionary basis of human behavior. The book challenges readers to push beyond the boundaries of Wilson and Skinner, suggests relationships to current work, and inspires curiosity regarding how that work can provide additional insight to the biological basis of human culture. It will also appeal to those with interest in the contemporary history of science orpsychology, and is written for a broad readership to provoke renewed consideration of Wilson and Skinner.

Zusammenfassung

Reviewers have characterized Paul Naour's A Dialogue Between Sociobiology and Radical Behaviorism, which includes brief introductions by E.O. Wilson and B.F. Skinner's elder daughter, Julie Vargus, as an idea book. The work will undoubtedly have a significant academic market and provide students and scholars in biology, ethology, psychology, anthropology, sociology and economics a strong foundation in twentieth century history and systems.

Praise for A Dialogue Between Sociobiology and Radical Behaviorism:

E.O. Wilson says of the book: ". . . excellent, an outstanding addition to the history of ideas. It will put Fred Skinner back in the pantheon and, providing context, serve as an excellent introduction to the content and central truths in radical behaviorism. Needless to say, I'm also grateful to have my work following Sociobiology given proper attention."

-David Sloan Wilson, author of Darwin's Cathedral writes: "E.O. Wilson and B.F. Skinner agreed that the human capacity for change is both a product of genetic evolution and an evolutionary process in its own right. Yet, the paradigms of sociobiology and radical behaviorism went in very different directions. Paul Naour's insightful analysis of a taped conversation between Wilson and Skinner goes beyond the historical significance of the conversation and helps to integrate the two paradigms for the future."

-Carl Haywood writes: "The present question is whether evolution by natural selection is a useful set of concepts for the development of psychology. Naour's proposed confluence of radical behaviorism and sociobiology suggests not only that it is, but also that radical behaviorism shares with sociobiology a debt and an allegiance to Darwinism."

Inhalt
Selection by Consequences: The Essential B.F. Skinner.- Human Sociobiology: The Essential E.O. Wilson.- A Consilient View of B.F. Skinner and E.O. Wilson: The Operant Foundation of Sociobiology.- Conversation Between B.F. Skinner and E.O. Wilson.- To What Beginning?.- The Challenge: A More Integrated Approach to Human Nature.