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| Peter Harzem: A legacy of steel and velvet |
| Monday, May 25, 2009 |
| 3:30 PM–4:50 PM |
| North 132 BC |
| Area: DEV/TPC; Domain: Theory |
| Chair: Martha Pelaez (Florida International University) |
| Discussant: M. Jackson Marr (Georgia Tech) |
| Abstract: Peter Harzem died this last year after an extended illness. For nearly 40 years he was a significant contributor to the conceptual and historical foundations of behavioral science. Reflecting both broad and deep scholarship in the experimental, historical, and philosophical literature, he was a steely and trenchant critic of some of the most common assumptions and practices of basic and applied behavior science. He thus kept mindful behavior analysts on their toes in either acceding to his judgments or vigorously defending their own--in either case, he could not be ignored. Yet, he was equally skilled at velvety persuasion through his extraordinary wit and charm. His many talents and skills not only inspired students and colleagues alike, but found powerful expression in the organization and dissemination of behavior analysis world wide. This symposium will honor his memory and contributions |
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| Harzem's Contributions to the Analysis of Behavioral Development |
| HAYNE W. REESE (West Virginia University) |
| Abstract: This paper is a review and critique of Peter's many contributions to developmental psychology, which came mainly from his conceptual analyses of issues in that field. Peter did not disvalue conceptual analysis, as indicated by a remark he made at the 1980 meeting of ABA. I had criticized the use of "hyphenated reinforcers," and he replied "Won't you allow us any hypotheses?" By extension from the actual uses of hyphenated reinforcers, conceptual analyses are hypotheses and they are scientifically worth while if they are well-justified generalizations from prior empirical research, in this case behavior analytic research, and if they are at least potentially susceptible to empirical tests |
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| On Peter's Intellectual Heritage to Psychology |
| MARTHA PELAEZ (Florida International University), Jacob L. Gewirtz (Florida International University) |
| Abstract: Peter Harzem reflects both broad and deep scholarship in the experimental, historical, and philosophical literature. He kept mindful behavior analysts on their toes in either acceding to his judgments or vigorously defending their own. The authors discuss some of Peter's intellectual challenges and heritage, in particular, his arguments on the 'disasters' that have derailed psychology. |
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| A bridge between Europe and USA |
| PAOLO MODERATO (IULM University ITALY) |
| Abstract: Peter Harzem was a bridge between Europe and USA. Born In Turkey he went to UK, first to London and then to Bangor, where he established the Department of Psychology. Then he crossed the Atlantic ocean to land in Alabama.
When he invented and developed the series "Conference on behaviorism and sciences of behavior" his spirit brought him back to Europe (Italy, Spain,and Swiss) and not only: Japan and Taiwan. Unfortunately, due to nine eleven, he coudn't accomplish the last mission, bringing the conference to his hometown, Instanbul |
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