Some thoughts on the relationship between behaviorism, comparative psychology, and ethology

Although there has been considerable literature produced on the relationshi p between behaviorism, comparative psychology, and ethology; there has not been a considerable consensus of opinion. Our position, more historically s ituated than many, argues that the crucial distinction remains simply: "Why does each discipline use animals as subjects?" Drawing on actual position statements by definitional figures, we believe that answers to this probati ve inquiry amply illustrates the substantial differences between these long -standing traditions. (C) 2000 International Society for Anthrozoology.