Lawfulness of Behavior
The application of behavioral techniques requires that the practitioner subscribe to a deterministic philosophy that behavior in and of itself is lawful. The lawful nature of behavior means that all behavior is caused by environmental, external events and is entirely predictable. This means that behavior in the world has a cause and is not by accident. Behavior is not random or unpredictable. In fact, behavior is entirely predictable based on past history and the consequence, either natural or contrived, of reinforcement and punishment altering our behavior patterns and learning.
Lawfulness of behavior falls under the umbrella of determinism. Determinism is a philosophy that the evens in life happen by direct relation to the environment and preceding events. In contrast, other non-deterministic philosophy take the view that evens happen by accident or are predetermined.
I had an arguement with a friend regarding determination, but thankfully you have clarified it.
“Lawfulness of behavior falls under the umbrella of determinism. Determinism is a philosophy that the evens in life happen by direct relation to the environment and preceding events.”
I’ll share this with him.
You are spot on correct with the post.