Excerpt

Few observers would argue with the statement that the philosophy behind behavior modification has stirred controversy in psychology. For some, behavior modification in a simplistic, mechanistic approach, which does not include the richness and complexity required to help human beings in their search for the fullness of life. To others, behavior modification has no equal in its potential to lead to a true understanding of change. To support a balanced perspective, this chapter will be introduced by historical look at behaviorism and its philosophical foundations.

The philosophy of Plato is a good starting point. Plato postulated that the human being consists of a soul imprisoned in a physical body. When the physical body dies, the spiritual soul continues eternally...