A parallel is drawn between the geological principle of uniformitarianism and the presuppositions of contemporary behavior modification. The uniformitarian principle has four main aspects: (1) a concern with ultimate origins or ends is futile; (2) any change in topography is gradual rather than sudden, at least in terms of underlying events; (3) the forces that have effected change in the past continue to be operative today; and (4) the proper study of any phenomenon begins with its present state and the forces currently affecting it. Psychological examples of uniformitarian thinking are given for individual and for aggregate behavior.
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