Behavior is an physical (as in physics) action of a biological system(s) which performs a function of survival.
Because behavior is determined by the 'design' of the biological system(s) involved, subject to the laws of physics, and therefore deterministic, it can be predicted with a precision expected of any complex system.
Not all human behaviors are complex, such as stimulus-response behaviors, and therefore can be predicted fairly easily or even forced.
Unconscious Behaviors
An unconscious behavior is any behavior a person is not aware of or focusing on. In general, movements are under unconscious control. They can be brought under conscious control and the unconscious "auto-pilot" trained, like in learning to play the guitar, for example.
Predicting Unconscious Behaviors
Some unconscious behaviors can be predicted by providing a stimulus for that behavior.
Behavioral Pattern
A behavioral pattern is a combination or repetition of behaviors.
Behavioral patterns are a part of a stock set or library of behaviors used by a person.
Once the major behavior patterns of someone is know, they are easily predicted.
Predicting Behavioral Patterns
A known behavioral pattern can be predicted based on it's pattern alone. For example, if a given bird chirps three times in a row as a part of it's call, you can safely predict two more chirps after the first.
Shaping Behavior
Unknowing Behavior Modification
Behavior can be shaped or modified unknowingly by using rewards and / or punishment.
These are artificial substitutes that mimic success and the natural consequence of failure.
There are several 'reward schedules' written about by B.F. Skinner that need to be included here.
See Also
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Categories: philosophy
