Walden Two Persuasive Essay Example

Aunt Julia. Although they are not blood relatives, Aunt Julia is the sister-in-law of Marito's Uncle Lucho. This still makes her a sort of relative, making their relationship and eventual marriage taboo in the eyes of the family. Interestingly, many of Aunt Julia's other suitors who come to call are also distant relatives in some way. The theme of incest culminates at the end of the story when Marito remarries his actual cousin, Patricia, turning his aunt and uncle into his in-laws. Surprisingly, his family doesn't seem to have a problem accepting this marriage, perhaps indicating a sense of numbness towards such relationships by that point.
Another demon that haunts Marito's writing and life is money. He always seems to lack enough funds to do what he wants. Insufficient income prevents him from taking Aunt Julia out as frequently as he desires and prevents him from moving out of his family's house to solve various problems. Additionally, he almost risks not being able to marry Aunt Julia due to a lack of money to pay the mayor. Money also plays a role in his writing.The story about soccer referee Joaquin Hinostroza Bellmont in chapter sixteen is primarily focused on money. Marito's incessant writing about money can be attributed to his lack thereof. Alongside the theme of money, another factor that affects Marito is divorce. The family's opposition to Marito and Aunt Julia's relationship and subsequent marriage stems not from the age difference or distant relation, but chiefly from the fact that Aunt Julia is divorced. Prior to Aunt Julia's arrival from Bolivia, the family had already engaged in extensive gossip about her, likely due to

their religious beliefs preventing her remarriage in a church. The negative impact of divorce surfaces again eight years later when Marito and Aunt Julia eventually get divorced. Logically, the family should be relieved that the unwanted marriage is finally over. However, surprisingly, they are still upset by this event as well. The irony lies in the fact that despite Marito's initial resistance to Aunt Julia's previous divorce, which he eventually overcame to marry her, he ultimately ends up divorcing her himself.

Marito appears to be affected by numerous demons. I could continue discussing this, but I believe you understand the concept. These imperfections in Marito make him a more interesting character, preventing him from being bland or dull. Psychologists face the challenge of understanding the human condition well enough to create a utopia by manipulating human behavior. B.F. Skinner presents this challenge in his novel Walden Two (1948). The novel is well-written and entertaining, targeting laymen rather than professional psychologists. It revolves around a fictional intentional community called Walden Two, consisting of 1,000 members, led by Frazier. Frazier utilizes behavioral modification techniques to make Walden Two an ideal society. Skinner employs a propaganda technique, presenting Walden Two from the perspective of various outsiders with differing levels of skepticism and enthusiasm for the community. Readers can relate to these visitors based on their own inclinations. Skinner deliberately provokes with his claims to break down resistance, as resistance inadvertently gives power to the idea.He starts by presenting teasers, ideas that are interesting and have value on their own but are not directly related to his main thesis. It is evident to the reader, as well as skeptical visitors,

that he is attempting to persuade and strengthen their resistance. Among the main opponents is Castle, a philosophy professor, who Skinner views as an easy target due to his belief that philosophy is self-indulgent. Another opponent is Burris, a psychology professor, who also represents Skinner's own thoughts in the conversation with Frazier. The group is completed by two young couples, with one girl actively rejecting Frazier's ideas throughout the visit.
Why do we resist the concept of behavioral engineering so strongly? Skinner addresses this issue in another essay-like book titled "Beyond Freedom and Dignity," which eloquently explains the source of this resistance. The book raises questions about our free will and whether we possess a soul. It considers the possibility of humans being purely mechanistic beings, completely understandable and controllable by another highly intelligent individual. Most people would instinctively revolt against such an idea.Frazier's smugness and egotism seem intentionally designed to evoke our deepest repulsion. Despite advocating a program called "behavioral engineering," Skinner's utopia actually promotes a significant amount of freedom. In this society, there is no use of money, and every individual consumes goods based on their needs. The law of supply and demand functions through labor credits, with everyone expected to contribute 4 labor credits daily. The duration of work depends on the desirability of the task, with unpleasant work having a higher labor value, and thus requiring less time to earn a labor credit. Despite the lack of enjoyment in such tasks, individuals gain more leisure time. Conversely, enjoyable work has a lower labor value, allowing for more time to be spent on it. Overall, everyone in this society is relatively content.

Individuals have the freedom to choose their work, as long as it aligns with their abilities. The value of a credit can be adjusted based on the number of volunteers for each task, combining elements of capitalism (supply and demand) with collectivism (common ownership and consumption for the common good).The educational system in this society is centered on freedom and self-motivation, with no structured classrooms or fear of receiving poor grades. Students' motivation to learn solely relies on their curiosity. They are taught the methodology of learning and given independence to pursue it. The concept of behavior modification is used to train children to persevere by presenting progressively greater obstacles that can be overcome. However, this strategy may have been taken too far, resulting in an excessive emphasis on perseverance and the repetition of tactics that are ineffective. For instance, if something fails to produce the desired outcome in the first nine attempts, it is unlikely to succeed on the tenth (unless intentionally designed that way). In this society, there is no democracy, political parties, or voting. Instead, it is governed by behavioral engineers who aim to ensure the happiness of all individuals. The success of these planners is measured by the extent to which people carry out their intended roles and lead productive and satisfied lives. When issues arise, it is because individuals are essentially "voting" against a particular social arrangement by not cooperating. While nobody's freedom is compromised, it is essential for individuals to willingly participate for the society to function smoothly.The text emphasizes the use of positive reinforcement rather than punishment or negative reinforcement. It highlights a system where members have a

direct channel to protest to Managers or Planners, and these protests are taken seriously. Similar to a pilot attending to a faulty engine, the Dairy Manager addresses epidemics and the Behavioral and Cultural Managers consider grievances. The text questions if this is enough to prevent corruption from the leaders. Additionally, an apparent flaw in behavior engineering is discussed in relation to creating a "golden age." Frazier believes leisure obtained through patronage is necessary for stimulating a renaissance, but this overlooks important aspects of human psychology. While leisure time allows for creative pursuits, it is not vital since today's abundance of leisure often leads to trivial entertainment like TV, which fills our lives with distractions.Having a certain amount of solitude and perhaps even loneliness is necessary for an artist to develop enough depth to create important works of art, according to Frazier. He argues that when artists are not supported, they often become irresponsible, which affects their reputation with the public. Richard Wagner serves as an example of an artist who accumulated debts and had a reputation for irresponsibility due to a lack of patronage. However, Wagner was equally productive in both periods of his life, whether he had the support of King Ludwig III or not. Frazier acknowledges that patronage can be beneficial for artists but argues that it does not necessarily improve their work. Skinner's claim that making support more available will significantly impact culture lacks sufficient evidence. Frazier also mentions the importance of having an appreciative audience, although many great works of art require years to complete and cannot solely rely on audience support.If a composer, such as Richard Wagner, is aware of

an audience for a particular form of art, it can provide encouragement. However, Wagner went beyond the boundaries of Opera and created previously unheard-of works, leaving him uncertain of acceptance. The inspiration drawn from other creative works appears to be more significant than the expectation of a responsive audience. Wagner, for instance, was influenced by Carl Maria von Weber, shaping his own artistic direction. Being part of a culture where creation is already thriving seems to motivate individuals towards similar pursuits. Frazier argues that an artist's career must have economic stability and social acceptance. Nevertheless, the theater during Shakespeare's time may not have been highly regarded. True artists are undeterred by a lack of support, whether financial or social, as they create for themselves, driven by an inner need and determination to succeed at any cost. Additionally, Skinner's disregard for the field of ethics is seen as arrogant, assuming that values are universally recognized without room for debate. Frazier humorously compares the philosopher's search for ethical principles to a centipede contemplating how to walk, adding his own perspective on the matter."Simply proceed to walk! We are all aware of the benefits until we pause to consider them. Take health, for instance. Isn't it unquestionably superior to sickness?"
"There may come a time when a person would willingly opt for poor health or even death," Castle remarked. "And we might even commend his choice."
"True, but you're stepping with the wrong foot. Try using the one on the opposite side." This was an unfair move, and Castle clearly felt resentful. He had made a friendly gesture, but Frazier was taking advantage of it. "Assuming

all other factors are equal, we would select good health," Frazier added. "The technical issue at hand is quite straightforward. Perhaps we can make time tomorrow to visit our medical facility."

Frazier then addressed Castle, inquiring whether there was any doubt about the fact that a minimal amount of unpleasant labor is an essential element of the Good Life. However, Castle responded with a silent and sulky demeanor.

"That's the millionaire's idea, anyway," stated I.

"I mean the minimum which is possible without imposing on anyone. We must always think of the whole group..."
However, he even acknowledges, "I can't give you a rational justification for it. I can't reduce it to any principle of the great good. This is the Good Life. We know it. It's a fact, not a theory." According to Skinner, the "Good Life" refers to understanding and satisfying people's motivations. But does he truly grasp our motives or the concept of motivation itself? People's motives, based on their values, have been much more diverse than what the above excerpt acknowledges. Frazier only mentions health and leisure as "good," which fails to capture the intricate array of choices our species is known to make. He may believe behaviorism can explain it, but he has yet to demonstrate this capability. Undoubtedly, Frazier strives to shape the motives of his subjects. However, are they not also influencing his behavior? If he governs without coercion, he cannot impose his values on the population; he can only work with their existing values. In essence, is this not a form of symbiosis?
On page 255, Frazier poses the question, "What would you do if you found yourself

in possession of an effective science of behavior? Suppose you suddenly found it possible to control the behavior of men as you wished?" Yet Frazier's notion of "control" differs from its typical implication of power-over, assertive dominance over individuals against their will.Frazier's power derives from his skill in organizing individuals to achieve happiness and fulfill their desires, resulting in power-with. Skinner seemingly takes pleasure in employing intimidating language to present his ideas, branding his program as "behavioral engineering," a term specifically chosen to provoke resistance and stubbornly win people over against their will. This approach implies an inflated sense of self-importance, as acknowledged by Frazier. Moreover, Skinner amplifies the provocative impact of his assertion that he can control people through his enigmatic "behavioral engineering" science by asserting, "If man is free, then a technology of behavior is impossible." However, his "technology of behavior" does not negate freedom but rather builds upon it. He further argues, "It's a little late to be proving that a behavior technology is well advanced," emphasizing how many of its methods and techniques have existed for a long time. He points out the Nazis' dreadful misuse of manipulation for power-over, but acknowledges that this did not eliminate free will. Ultimately, we always possess the freedom to reject manipulation. Most manipulation relies on the manipulator's awareness (whether conscious or not) of hidden guilt, insecurities, and grievances on our part (usually subconscious). Therefore, manipulation can be seen as a form of blackmail.The antidote to manipulation and blackmail is honesty. The fear of manipulation stems from the fear of facing hidden secrets. However, a self-aware individual is immune to manipulation. The true cost of

freedom is confronting our inner demons. Deception and physical control through force are different forms of power. These techniques fall outside the realm of psychology. The Nazis, for example, relied on additional techniques to maintain control. Other examples, such as education, religion, practical politics, advertising, and salesmanship also utilize these behavioral techniques. The speaker emphasizes that we all possess the power to manipulate others in our own hands. Manipulation is often mutual, as demonstrated by children and their parents using rewards for good behavior.
By utilizing techniques based on honesty and cooperation instead of manipulation, Skinner/Frazier hopes to build a society where all members are honest and cooperative. This society would embody the concept of power-with at its best. However, while Skinner has presented some compelling ideas for reorganizing a free society through the use of supply and demand and democracy, his application of behaviorism in terms of training is not original, impressive, or far-reaching. The gradual introduction of aversive stimulation is a well-known behavioral technique that we all practice, such as when children slowly enter a cold lake instead of diving in all at once. Skinner has not demonstrated any powerful means that would convince us his utopia could be successfully created in reality. Unexpectedly, Skinner then proceeds to reject the scientific method itself, which his utopia purportedly relies on. "You use the word 'experiment' frequently," I remarked, "but do you truly conduct experiments? Is there not an essential aspect of good scientific practice missing from all the cases you have described?" "Are you referring to the 'control'?" queried Frazier.

According to Frazier, going through the effort of running controls would be an exaggeration of

scientific method. He believes there is no need for such trouble because the relationship between cause and effect is obvious. The happiness and equanimity of the people are evidently connected to their self-control. Thus, Frazier, formerly known as an experimental scientist, now presents himself as a messenger of revealed truth from the Great God Obvious. Burris was amazed by Frazier's success and wondered how he achieved it. The answer is also clear; success in a fictional "experiment" can be easily determined by the author's decree.

As the visit nears its end, Frazier introduces yet another radical idea. He views history as nonsense and discourages its study at Walden Two. Frazier questions the importance of knowing historical facts, even if they can be known accurately from a distance. He argues that history never repeats itself and even with reliable information about the past, it would not provide enough similarity to infer anything about the present or immediate future. Frazier asserts that history cannot serve as a useful guide in current times, offering various valid criticisms regarding its unreliability of information and skewed perspectives.Despite the drawbacks of studying history, it would be even more detrimental to our understanding if we were to eliminate it. The existence of history itself is a compelling reason to study it. We cannot let young people grow up in ignorance, believing that certain things have always existed without knowing their origins. Embracing such ignorance is dangerous and prevents us from discovering the truth. Skinner's Frazier, on the other hand, has complete faith in his ideas and no longer sees the need to understand history. He believes that his planners and managers will never

become corrupted, but without knowledge of what Walden Two was like before any corruption, it would be challenging to identify if it occurred. However, despite the thought-provoking nature of Skinner's ideas, the problems at hand are too critical to dismiss as quickly as Frazier would. In conclusion, I am not ready to blindly accept or agree with everything presented.