Publications [#288038] of John E. Staddon

Journal Articles

1. Staddon, JER (2004). Scientific imperialism and behaviorist epistemology. Behavior and Philosophy, 32(1), 231-242. [Gateway.cgi]
   (last updated on 2025/02/21)

   Abstract:
   E.O. Wilson and B.F. Skinner have argued for an evolutionary ethics that allows what ought to be to be derived from what is-ethics from science. Evolution is inherently unpredictable, however, and some practices whose benefits cannot be proved might nevertheless turn out to be good for the survival of a culture or the race. Other practices that seem to be good might turn out to be bad. Consequently, the evolutionary - argument implies that a successful culture will believe some things that cannot be proved, and it tells us that we cannot know in advance what those things will be.