Behaviorism’s danger is that it could become true, not that it is false

Evidence

The trouble with modern theories of behaviorism is not that they are wrong but that they could become true, that they actually are the best possible conceptualization of certain obvious trends in modern society. It is quite conceivable that the modern age—which began with such an unprecedented and promising outburst of human activity—may end in the deadliest, most sterile passivity history has ever known. — Shoshana Zuboff, The Age of Surveillance Capitalism, 1217

Categorization

• DEEPTHINKING: Inverts the standard critique of behaviorism: the problem is not error but self-fulfilling prophecy, that a theory can become true by being operationalized.
• XREF: Connects to the performative-power critique in earlier chapters and to the general theme of knowledge that creates its own reality. — connects to: Theory clarifies social fate even if it cannot prevent it. — Diego Gambetta, Trust - Making and Breaking Cooperative…, 1455; Functional explanations can justify harmful behaviors, so functionalism is not inherently good — Russell Hardin, Trust and Trustworthiness, 694; Simulation threatens power more than real transgression by attacking the reality principle itself — Jean Baudrillard, Simulacra and Simulation, 74
• ADDENDUM: Resonates with the sacrifice chapter’s theme that certain frameworks become real through acts of institutional commitment.

Broader Connections

• Functional explanations can justify harmful behaviors, so functionalism is not inherently good #corroborates (0.80) — Russell Hardin, Trust and Trustworthiness, 694
• Theory clarifies social fate even if it cannot prevent it. #expands (0.75) — Diego Gambetta, Trust - Making and Breaking Cooperative…, 1455
• Simulation threatens power more than real transgression by attacking the reality principle itself #complicates (0.72) — Jean Baudrillard, Simulacra and Simulation, 74