Radical behaviorism has attracted a lot of criticism, mainly when it comes to ethical issues. Despite the criticism, Skinner considers the behavior analysis a science of values, discussing morality in terms of moral behavior. However, the claim that the behavior analysis is a science of values may have distinctive social consequences depending on the model of science to be assumed. The contemporary scientific debate is about the crisis of the modern model of science and the emergence of another: the postmodern model. One of the differences between these two scientific proposals refers to the relation between science and society. Considering these aspects, the objective of this paper is to discuss which model of science, modern or postmodern, based on the skinnerian statement which declares the behavior analysis a science of values. To do so, initially, some traditional conceptions explaining moral behavior, and the main criticism that Skinner directs to them will be presented. Then, Skinner's ethical system will be analyzed, along with the social issues involved in the behavior analyst's practice, and, finally, the paper will discuss how each model of science can support different intervention practices, with equally distinct social consequences.
Science; Societies; Social behavior; Behavior analysis; Social values