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it gives me the heebie jeebies

T

ThatGirl

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I got on a conditioning train of thought recently in which people are guided by either punishment and discomfort repercussion for their actions or positive and rewarding repercussions.

This can be analyzed on so many levels. The idea of conditioning gives me the heebie jeebies and the entire theory wreaks of control. Like training an animal. Probably my own issues here.

But here is my thought, if ones only motivating reward of value is free will, can they be conditioned. The only response that would encourage positive behavior is that of their own choice. Anyway thought it was interesting.
 

Moiety

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That's good parenting 101 - let the kids think they are in control when they really aren't.
 

Udog

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I got on a conditioning train of thought recently in which people are guided by either punishment and discomfort repercussion for their actions or positive and rewarding repercussions.

This can be analyzed on so many levels. The idea of conditioning gives me the heebie jeebies and the entire theory wreaks of control. Like training an animal. Probably my own issues here.

I actually agree. Perhaps it's an NP thing? I'm fully aware that MOST people can be trained through reward and punishment. I've even read up on some of the techniques (did you know that small rewards are better than large ones?), but it eeks me out to reflect upon it too much.

I have since gotten passed the point where I think it's inherently 'bad' or 'wrong', though. It's a tool, and can be used for both good and bad. Sytpg's example of parenting is a good one.

But here is my thought, if ones only motivating reward of value is free will, can they be conditioned[?] The only response that would encourage positive behavior is that of their own choice. Anyway thought it was interesting.

Against someone like this, either a) they can't be conditioned or b) you have to trick them into making the choice you want, treat it like they made the choice, but still reward it accordingly.
 
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