William Baum - Behaviorist and his philosophical ideas

[Riley259]

Is anyone familiar with William Baum, a behaviorist who attempts to explain all events through the lens of a behavioral view of the world? Specifically, I’m aware of his philosophy in a general way in the sense that he dismisses private events as essentially irrelevant and that all behavioral events can be described through the lens of evolutionary processes over extended periods of time ( what he calls a molar view). He even tries to explain culture and religion via this strictly behavioral and reductionalist view. I don’t know what his view of God is but I suspect he’s likely an atheist or at the very least an agnostic. Does anyone have any further information on his ideas regarding God?

 

[Robert_Sock]

“All lies and jest
Still, a man hears what he wants to hear
And disregards the rest.”
-Paul Simon

 

[Vic_Taltrees_UK]

It is somewhat manipulative in its standard form, so has not infrequently been reported inappropriate by those affected. References are probably difficult to hunt down as there aren’t many mouthpieces for that sort of thing.

A diluted form of it, with respectful and empathetic dealing having the upper hand, may work.

Seeing as God says “feed the widows and the orphans” that may or may not tell you a little about their theology. It probably varies as between Baum and others.