B. F. SKINNER’S EVOLVING VIEWS OF PUNISHMENT: II. 1940-1960

Abstract

The reserve concept was the basis for Skinner considering punishment asymmetrical to reinforcement in the 1930’s. In this paper we explore why he abandoned the reflex reserve concept in the 1950’s, and what the implications of that were for his view on punishment. Skinner continued to claim that punishment was asymmetrical to reinforcement. We conclude that, although the reserve concept was nominally abandoned, its logic remained. We also discuss the terminology and defini- tion of punishment and its explanatory mechanisms.