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Ultimately, much like Skinner, Ben dreams of a utopian society. He thinks that he’s curing mankind from itself in his island experiment, much like Skinner dreamed of doing.

— HappyAtheist

You’ll definitely want to read an earlier theory of mine first: How Ben Controls People: Jacob, Psychology, and the Fountain of Youth. Ands thanks to the ever-wise ProfOzone who was among the first to post about Skinner

J.J. Abrams only co-wrote the Pilot I and II episodes, and the season-three premier “A Tale of Two Cities”. I’m going to assume that he’s credited on “A Tale of Two Cities” because he put a lot of work into it. I also assume that he was on board for this pivotal episode because it was crucial to the over-arching plot, which means it’s also chock-full of important clues to deciphering the ultimate trajectory of Lost.

Analysis of this episode makes very clear the connection to the work of B.F. Skinner in general, and Ben’s connection to Skinner in particular.

From Lostpedia: A man named Adam complains about the woman’s — now identified as Juliet — choice of this book and remarks that “Ben” wouldn’t read it “even in the bathroom”. So, Ben’s a serious reader, and intellectual, a thinker—the type of person who’s smart enough to use Skinner’s methods to control others’ behavior.

Juliet argues with Adam, stating that “here I am, thinking that free will still actually exists on…” This sounds like a reference to Skinner’s belief that there is no free will because the behavior of living organisms obeys laws just as other aspects of our world obeys the laws discovered by science. See his philosphical book Beyond Freedom.

Sawyer’s cage (previously the bear cage) is a classic Skinner Box.

She (Kate) asks “where is Sawyer and Jack?” But “Henry” (Ben) notices that she started the question with Sawyer and not Jack. Ben is using his psychological prowess to understand Kate’s motivations.

Ben tells Kate that he’s given her the fresh dress and food because the next “two weeks” will be very unpleasant. This is pure psychological torture, to manipulate the subject into fearing the absolute worst, to feel like they’re at the mercy of a twisted creature with a God complex, who can bestow both comfort and discomfort, has absolute control over you. This happens on Day 68 (Lostpedia timeline) but Kate and Sawyer return to camp on day 75, NOT two weeks later. So, Ben’s NOT predicting the future, he’s trying to predict scientifically how long it will take to break down Kate and Sawyer and get them under psychological control (and make it easy for them to have sex with each other.)

Ben leaves Juliet with Jack after he’s escaped from the aquarium, because he knows Jack won’t let her die in order to try escaping.

The whole island seems to undertand deep psychological issues; for example, subjects have to learn to “let go” and symbolically lay to rest their issues. The smoke monster could very well be a very advanced piece of psychological technology that delves into the subject’s subconsious in order to help them process their issues, the elements of the past that shape their behavior in the present. It could very well be true that brilliant Ben created it or controls it via his special “connection” with the island—which he seems to be losing as season three progresses and he begins to lose his control over others.

Ben knows so much because he’s a master manipulator. A sociopath who studied so much psychology that he can easily manipulate not only his people, but also the newcomers, to do what he wants. Ultimately, much like Skinner, he dreams of a utopian society. He thinks that he’s curing mankind from itself in his island experiment, much like Skinner dreamed of doing. Also like Skinner, he’s been accused of espousing a belief system that justifies totalitarianism.

So, what other theories materialize when we think about Lost in terms of psychology? What happens when your subjects break free and rebel? Or is everything, including using Naomi’s phone, ultimately orchestrated by Ben? Did he want Locke to blow up the submarine and Jack to make the call? Has Juliet turned on him much to his surprise, or did he expect her to turn (the signs were pretty obvious) and contribute to the Losties getting to the tower?

Key characters

Short Name	Full Name	Episodes	Theories
Ben	Benjamin Linus	3.20, 4.9, & 3” href=”/episodes/theres-no-place-home-parts-2-3/”>4.13	1714

Key episodes

#	Title	Aired	Central character	Theories
3.1	A Tale of Two Cities	10-4-2006	Jack	130

Key events

Theme	Relevant Episodes	Theories
Jack, Kate, and Sawyer captured	2.23, 3.1	203

Key locations

Theme	Relevant Episodes	Theories
Heny Gale’s Balloon	2.17, 2.16, 2.14	134

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