Abstract

The transition toward cognitive issues in the experimental analysis of behavior is examined. The article shows how the conceptual analysis provided by Wittgenstein in his description of language-games can assist experimental analysts in evaluating the transition. Various philosophical theories of the meaning of psychological terms are discussed as are four components of language-games. It is concluded that Wittgenstein's analysis allows behaviorists to use cognitive terms with a behavioristic system and that with such a system sharper distinctions among types of complex, human, operant behavior are possible.