Assumptions about human nature in psychological theories

Self and Personality

Theories, ethics, evolutionary

What various assumptions about human nature do psychological theories make and from whence have these assumptions come?

Different psychological theories make different assumptions about human nature. The role of theory in psychology is to question these assumptions and to interrogate the underlying views that they propound about human nature. For example, the assumption that human nature is determined by genetic factors is an assumption that is questioned by the view that social factors and the environment as well as aspects such as socialization play a vital role in the understanding of human nature.

One of the main assumptions that we find in modern psychology is the concept of the conscious and the unconscious mind. This is seen as a primary determining factor in understanding human nature and is a basic conceptual tool in psychological discourse and praxis.

Question 2. What is the relationship of psychology to the other sciences?

Psychology is a relatively young science. As a sign of its emergence as a fully fledged and acknowledged science it was elected as a member of the International Council of Scientific Union in 1982; which was then considered the most prestigious of all international scientific organizations ( What is the relationship of psychology to other sciences?) However as a disciple it does differ for the "hard" sciences in that its subject matter if more variable than other subjects like physics (What is the relationship of psychology to other sciences? Therefore, the major difference between psychology and the other sciences is its subject matter. "Psychology, on the contrary, does not directly and primarily aim at increasing our knowledge of the material world or any part of it. The cognitive process itself is an object of psychology" (The Scope Of Psychology. Distinction from other Sciences).

Question 4. What role should theories play in psychology?

Theory is an essential part of the development of any science, including psychology. The role that theories play is to provide a sound basis for the understanding of the human psyche and the interconnections between the human psyche and the world. Theory therefore is a way of formulating the views and insights that psychologist gain from research and experimentation. These theories can therefore be applied to various situations and target groups in order to prove or disprove certain ideas of hypothesis that the theories contain.

Question 5. How can two psychological theories that disagree with one another both be scientific?

As discussed above, theories provide or suggest different views about reality. While two theories may disagree with one another they may both be able to proven scientifically. This does not mean that one is wrong and the other right but there may be other reasons for this ambiguity -- such as environment and research perspective. An example would be the theory that identity is determined by genetics as opposed to the theory that identity is formed through nurturing. Both theories are correct in that they can be proven by objective analysis. The way that psychology advances is by trying to find solutions to these apparent ambiguities.

6. How have disputes over ethics and values influenced the historical development of psychology?

There are many instances of ways that ethics and values of have influenced the development of psychology. A relatively recent example is the ethics surrounding mental illness and the care of individuals with mental health problems. The understanding of mental health and illness has changed and evolved over time. At one time mental illness was attributed to supernatural influences and evil forces. This resulted in the mentality ill being punished or ostracized for being "possessed" or for being agents' of witchcraft.

However this stance was to change dramatically during the Renaissance and the emergence of a more objective and less subjective worldview. In other words, scientific scrutiny and emphasis on individual differences during the Renaissance placed mental illnesses "… in the realm of medicine rather than of religion and philosophy, and did much to demystify mental disorders at that time" ( Rathna)

This in turn led to the more humanistic and ethical approach and figures like Pinel and Luke who championed a more humane treatment of mental patients. For instance in 1756, physicians in Paris "… protested that the cruelties prevailing in the treatment of the insane were aggravating the disease; and some protests followed from other quarters" (The Final Struggle and Victory of Science - Pinel and Tuke). This was to lead to ethical and practical reforms in the treatment of these patients.

7. To what extent, if any, should a science of psychology include ethical values? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the position you articulate in response to this question?

On the hand one can adopt the view of psychology is a purely behavioral science, i.e. that it is concerned only with dispassionate objective research into human activity. There is no need from ethics in this purely objective approach. However, psychology is not a material science like physics and its subject matter is human beings and their emotions and feelings. As the above example of mental health has shown, ethical views and human understanding are vital to the development o psychology for a number of reasons. The most important of these reasons is that the psychologist deals not only with facts and figures but with complex human beings. As such, moral values and ethics play an extremely important part in the understanding of human behavior.

8. From what sort(s) of elementary stuff are human beings made, and how do answers to this question differ from those given in response to the question of what makes us human? What are the implications for a science of psychology in how one answers these questions?

This question was answered at length in first paper sent to you.

9. Do today's ideas about science and human nature differ fundamentally from the ideas of ancient thinkers? From early modern thinkers?

There are many differences that could be noted between the views of early and ancient thinkers and contemporary thought and theories on human nature. This is a vast and complex area of research but one example should suffice to show the central difference between older thought and modern thinking on human nature.

In the past human nature and behavior was intimately linked to the supernatural and spiritual worlds. Gods, demons and spiritual entities were seen as the prime determining factors in human behavior. This has changed radically in contemporary thinking. Now the psychologist in general does not take account of spiritual presences as they cannot be scientifically verified. The causes of human actions and behavior are generally sought for in the psyche of the individual or in the social environment.