Skinner's approach to a science of behavior is discussed with reference to the concept of "externalism" (the search for relations between the organism and external events). Skinner's works, respectively, from 1938, 1953 and 1990, whose discourses deal with different explanations of behavior, are examined in order to emphasize his persistent concern with drawing a clear distinction between behavior analysis and (neuro)physiology. Certain aspects of Skinner's writings, that seem to provide insufficient support for any definitive statement regarding the autonomy of a science of behavior, are highlighted along with resultant difficulties that have arisen in the literature of the field.
radical behaviorism; behavior analysis; physiology of behavior; private events