Theravāda Buddhist Perspective on the Behaviorist Theories: A Doctrinal Analysis

Behaviour with good conduct is an essential component for a healthy life in social, economic, mental as well as in physical aspects. In approaching to study Behaviorism, a rich repository of accounts can be extracted with the modern psychological and Buddhist philosophical contents which are relevant to different aspects of theories and analogies. Among the modern psychological interpretations, the Classical Conditioning Theory and the Operant Conditioning Theory can be shown as very important principles that demonstrate the different nature of behaviour. These theories can be clearly indicated when studying the Pāli canonical literature, and it is evidently proven how Buddhist teachings differ from the scientific basis of modern psychology that underlies principles of Behaviorism, while the Buddhist application takes a more spiritual approach both in theory and practice. By examining the very significant discourses such as the Madupiṇḍikasutta, Nalakalāpasutta, Paticcasamuppada-vibhaṅgasutta, and Cullakammavibhaṅgasutta, it can clearly prove how Buddhist thought emphasises its spiritual insights on the behaviour change that one could approach from the Buddhist framework mindfully. Through all these explanations given on modern psychology and Buddhist philosophy, this paper endeavours to highlight how Theravāda Buddhism explicates the core concepts in modern psychology on Behaviourism by elevating individuals through Behaviour modification towards the attainment of ultimate Emancipation.