Behaviorism at 100: An American History

This article marks the centenary of the founding of the approach to the study of human and other behavior known as behaviorism, often considered to have occurred in 1913. The story of behaviorism is largely, although by no means entirely, the story of Burrhus Frederick Skinner (1904-1990), who is presented as being among the intellectual giants of the twentieth century.

The article touches on four of B.F. Skinner's major contributions, with some focus on his elaboration of the parallel between the natural selection of features of populations and the reinforcement of varieties of behavior.
The article concludes by suggesting that Skinner's influence may be undergoing a revival. As was the case with Charles Darwin, several more decades may have to pass before his enormous contributions are fully appreciated. In Skinner's case the contributions were, and continue to be, to psychology, philosophy, linguistics, anthropology, and neuroscience.

The article totals some 7,500 words, including 79 references and other notes. The main text has seven sections. Their titles are: Mostly about B.F. Skinner • Skinner’s four main contributions • More on reinforcement and natural selection • Neuroscience and behavior • Skinner and American tradition and culture • Skinner’s last words • Skinner today and tomorrow.