Here is a rare, fascinating glimpse into the private life and thought of B. F. Skinner, a man considered by many to be the most influential--and perhaps most controversial--psychologist of the twentieth century. As a pioneer of the behaviorist school of psychology and the author of such groundbreaking works as Beyond Freedom and Dignity and Walden Two, Skinner has altered the lives of millions through his scientific achievements. Now with the publication of his own personal notebooks, a more complete view of the man emerges.This unique collection of entries represents Professor Skinner's meticulously recorded thoughts, observations, insights, conversations, and even dreams. Informal and varied, the notes reflect his ideas not only on psychology, philosophy, and education, but also on language, music, literature, love, religion, politics, children, history, people, time, truth, myth, the mind, and immortality.
The portrait of Skinner that emerges is one of father, husband, grandfather, and citizen, in addition to that of scientist and scholar. One learns from these notes exactly what it means to be a behavioristic man--in private as well as in public.
Edited and with an informative introduction by Robert Epstein, a close associate of Skinner's at Harvard, Notebooks is certain to take its place as an integral part of Skinner's complete works, illuminating the thought, character, and humanity of one of the major figures of our time.
[From the back cover of Notebooks (1980). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc..]
