The Behavior of the Scientist: Epistemological Tools Science-Makers Use and Games They Play

Abstract

Because making science is inescapably a special class of behaviors by people thereby called scientists, then a science of science inevitably will involve behaviorism. Behaviorism advises us always to look for the relevant reinforcers; and science behaviors apparently are often reinforced by the discovery of truth-as scientists define it, and often by the accomplishment of usefulness-as society defines it. This paper discusses some responses that scientists have in common, and some contingencies which control the behavior of scientists.