Question

How do you think John Watson's scandal would be addressed today? Do you think that Watson would have been asked to resign his position? Why were these issues so much more important during his time? What contributions do you think he would have made if he stayed in academia?

Answer 1

The John Watson case would be given much less public light if it was to happen today. If we read the details of the case and what followed for Dr. Watson after the news of his divorce broke out, we can make out that the American society at the time was very conservative. Also there was a lot of intrusion in the private space of popular people. Also, they were expected to behave according to the ethical standards that suited the majority and when they showed deviant behaviour, it was made sure that they had to face a number of repercussions for their acts.

However, it was to happen today, Watson would still have gathered some media attention but the case still would not have made headlines or would not have featured in the papers like the way it did when it happened. Also, Dr Watson losing his job over an affair also seems to be unlikely in today's time as people are given a lot of private space and freedom about the places they want to take their private lives. These issues held importance in Dr. Watson's time as the society was a lot more conservative back then.

Since, Psychology was still a freshly budding branch of science when Dr. Watson was doing hi research, it can be argued that he would have made many more significant contributions to psychology and behaviourism if he was not asked to leave his job.

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