unconditioned etymology

Etymology:

  • Un-: Prefix meaning "not" or "opposite of"
  • Conditioned: Derived from Latin "condicio," meaning "agreement, stipulation, condition"

Meaning:

  • Not dependent on specific conditions or circumstances
  • Freely given or spontaneous
  • In psychology, refers to behavior that is not learned or influenced by external stimuli

Origin:

The term "unconditioned" first emerged in the mid-19th century in the context of psychology. It was introduced by Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov, who used it to describe the innate, involuntary responses to stimuli that his dogs exhibited, such as salivating in response to the sight of food.

In the 20th century, the term was adopted by behaviorists, particularly B.F. Skinner, to differentiate between learned behaviors (conditioned responses) and behaviors that are innate or unlearned (unconditioned responses).

Examples:

  • An unconditioned reflex is a natural, automatic response to a stimulus, such as a baby's sucking response when its mouth is touched.
  • Unconditioned love is a deep and unconditional affection that is not dependent on specific deeds or behaviors.
  • Unconditioned freedom refers to the state of being free from constraints or conditions imposed by others.

unconditioned relate terms

  • condition

    Etymology Middle English condicioun from Old French condicion from Latin conditio

  • condition

    Etymology Middle English condicioun from Old French condicion from Latin conditio

  • unconditional

    Etymology The word unconditional is derived from two Latin words in negative pref

  • innate

    Etymology The word innate comes from the Latin word innatus which means inborn or

  • plunge

    Etymology The word plunge comes from the Middle English word plongen which is deriv

  • adventure

    Etymology Late Middle English from Old French aventure from Latin adventūra literal

  • stamp

    Etymology The word stamp comes from the Middle English word stampen which means to

  • solemn

    Etymology The word solemn comes from the Latin word solemnis which originally meant

  • notorious

    Etymology The word notorious is derived from the Latin phrase nota reus which means

  • fatigue

    Etymology Middle English fatigate from Latin fatigare to weary from fat stem of

  • peace

    Etymology Old English pǣċ treaty pact peace Proto Germanic fraþuz treaty pa