Foundations for a Natural Science of Philosophy

Abstract

The functional relations among philosophy, science, technology, and intuition are examined. Those domains are each defined as behaviors, and each of them is then classified either as verbal, nonverbal, or both. Finally, those classes of behavior are organized into one integral behavioral system. The concept of a science of philosophy is introduced. A science and technology of philosophy are not only possible but necessary. Such an approach to the discipline of philosophy could lead to a new disciplinary structure for philosophy. Philosophy could be taught in academic departments as a verbal behavioral science. The discipline of behaviorology provides the foundations necessary to capacitate the traditional discipline of philosophy as a science and technology of verbal behavior commensurate with its potential cultural mission.

Strategic interdisciplinary relations between a natural science community and a psychology community: Part 2: Change versus circumvention.

“…One is to foster the continuing development of the natural science epistemological alternative, which those communities represent-that is, to see to the intrinsic improvement of the naturalistic philosophy, so that, on the merit of its definitive qualities, the effectiveness of the natural science epistemology can be maximized. Because philosophy manifests as verbal behavior, the task of tending philosophy is fundamentally a task of contingency management (Fraley, 1999). The main objective of the qualitative enhancement of the philosophical product is to improve the qualitycontrol of scientific practice, which is the primary function of a philosophy of science.…”