Charting a Theoretical Midcourse Between Neuroscience and Cognitive Science
Abstract
<p>In his previous book, The New Behaviorism , J. E. R. Staddon (2001) proposed a “theoretical behaviorism,” embracing rather than rejecting inner states, and in Adaptive Dynamics he shows us the kind of science that can legitimately be done within such a framework. This science is essentially the analysis of overt behavior accompanied by “the invention, comparison, testing, and modification or rejection of parsimonious black-box models” (p. ix). The book is confidently written, in places to the point of distraction; each reader, for example, will have to decide what to make of the subtitle “ The Theoretical Analysis of Behavior” [italics added]. But along with this confidence comes clarity of expression, economy of presentation, and a “don't look down” style suggesting Staddon is writing mainly to develop an audience rather than to please or inform an existing one. Working without the net of a community predisposed to accept his views (he faces up to the fact that neither the strict behaviorists nor the cognitivists are likely to have much initial sympathy for his enterprise), Staddon's direct and focused presentation serves only to underscore the bold nature of the scientific proposal put forth in this book.</p><p>Staddon, a leading figure