Behaviorism: The theory that personality is shaped by environmental experiences rather than innate biological factors.
Tabula Rasa: Latin for "blank slate," suggesting humans are born with an open mind that is shaped by experience.
Influential Figures
B.F. Skinner
John Watson: A radical behaviorist who proposed that with the right environment, any child could be molded into any type of professional or person, emphasizing the power of environmental influence over innate traits.
Main Arguments
Personality and behavior are products of experiences.
Human development is dictated by environmental conditions and stimuli.
Free will is minimized in this perspective, suggesting that humans passively absorb and become what their environment dictates.
Criticism of Behaviorism
Neglects Biology: Fails to consider the biological and genetic influences on personality.
Nature vs. Nurture Debate: Behaviorism heavily leans on nurture, ignoring the nature aspect.
Adopted Children: Examples of adopted children developing personality traits similar to biological parents suggest a role for genetic influences.
Conclusion
Behaviorism provides insight into how environmental factors shape personality but is incomplete as it neglects biological aspects. Other psychological perspectives are necessary to fully understand the complexity of human personality.