Neo-Lamarckian elements of Skinnerian selectionism

Authors

  • Carlos Eduardo Lopes
  • Carolina Laurenti

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5380/psi.v20i3.47386

Keywords:

evolution, development, learning, behavior, Skinner

Abstract

Evolutionary biology has been a stage of debates between neo-Darwinian and neo-Lamarckian theories.
Neo-Darwinism explains every evolutionary process in terms of the selection of random genetic
variations. Thus, whatever takes place in the individual’s life history, in its development and learning,
does not interfere in the evolutionary course. Whereas, neo-Lamarckian theory upholds the existence of
multiple sources of variation, not always random ones, on which selection operates; it also concedes that
development and learning may influence evolution. The goal of this essay is to show that Skinner’s
model of selection displays features of a neo-Lamarckian evolutionary theory. It concludes that such
approximation would help behavior analysis to actively participate in contemporary discussions about
evolutionary biology.

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Published

2017-01-23

How to Cite

Lopes, C. E., & Laurenti, C. (2017). Neo-Lamarckian elements of Skinnerian selectionism. Interação Em Psicologia, 20(3). https://doi.org/10.5380/psi.v20i3.47386

Issue

Vol. 20 No. 3 (2016)

Section

Seção especial

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