Verbal Behavior

The book delves into the intricacies of verbal behavior, arguing for its distinct analysis apart from other behaviors influenced by environmental factors. Inspired by a challenge from philosopher Alfred North Whitehead, Skinner spent over twenty years developing his thesis, which posits that verbal behavior operates through social interactions within a verbal community. He supports his arguments with examples from various fields, including literature and the arts, highlighting the significance of language in human behavior, which Skinner regarded as his most crucial contribution.