Behavourism and materialism
Sir, — The authority of science has been abused in order to give credence to materialistic philosophies and deny spiritual truth. Though I greatly respect the scientific approach, I detest the manner in which questionable philosophies have, in the name of scientific understanding, been imposed upon us. Behaviourism is one such example. This has had considerable influence in fields of education and sociology where it has sometimes brought about beneficial results. However, behaviourists sometimes change from good scientists into bad philosophers, and then we risk a “Clockwork Orange” situation. The trouble with the pseudo-scientific philosophies is that they rob our world of meaning, and undermine oui sense of personhood. Such philosophies represent the: intellectual side of materialism. The plethora of evils which the practical outworking of materialism has brought will, I believe, remain until the phoniness of these philosophies is exposed. — Yours, etc..
G. A. LEICESTER. June 7, 1977.
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Press, 11 June 1977, Page 12
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151Behavourism and materialism Press, 11 June 1977, Page 12
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