The word "externalistic" is spelled with a combination of letters that can be tricky to decipher. The IPA phonetic transcription displays its pronunciation as /ɪkˌstɜːnəˈlɪstɪk/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound followed by a "k" and "st" sounds. The second syllable is pronounced with a long "ur" sound, then "n," and "a" sounds. The third syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound, then "l," "s," "t," and "i" sounds. Overall, it can be a challenging word for those unfamiliar with its spelling and pronunciation.
Externalistic is an adjective that refers to the philosophical perspective or theory which emphasizes the influence of external factors or external circumstances in shaping individual behavior, actions, or beliefs. It posits that external factors, such as societal norms, cultural practices, environment, or even the influence of other individuals, play a significant role in determining human behavior or mental states.
In the context of psychology, externalistic theories posit that behavior is primarily driven by external reinforcement or punishment rather than internal mental processes or innate characteristics. These theories argue that individuals are inclined to engage in certain behaviors due to the presence of external rewards or avoidance of punishment, suggesting that external stimuli play a deterministic role in human action.
From a sociological standpoint, an externalistic perspective examines how societal structures or institutions influence individual behavior, decision-making, or identity formation. It explores how social, economic, and political factors shape individuals' beliefs, values, and actions, emphasizing the power of external forces in influencing individual and collective behavior.
The externalistic perspective is often contrasted with internalistic views, which focus on internal motives, desires, or cognitions as the primary drivers of human behavior. While internalistic theories suggest that the individual's thoughts, emotions, or personality traits are the main determinants of behavior, externalistic theories shift the focus towards the impact of external factors on individual actions or mental states.
Overall, an externalistic perspective provides a framework to understand the role of external factors in shaping individual behavior, beliefs, and actions, highlighting the interplay between the individual and their external environment.
The word "externalistic" does not have a specific etymology as it is a derivative of the word "externalism". However, to better understand its origins, it is necessary to examine the origin of the root word "externalism".
The word "externalism" is derived from the Latin word "externus", meaning "outward" or "external". The suffix "-ism" is added to "external" to form a noun indicating a specific belief system, practice, or ideology. In this case, "externalism" refers to the belief or philosophical doctrine that external factors play a dominant role in influencing behavior, cognition, perception, or knowledge.
By adding the suffix "-tic" to "externalism", the adjective "externalistic" is formed. "Externalistic" refers to something that pertains to or adheres to externalism as a belief system or approach.