PSYC 1F90 Lecture : Lecture 3
Document Summary
A sampling of recurrent, big idea-- themes and controversies-- in psychology concerning the nature of humankind (this list is not exhaustive!) The impact of social influence: we are social beings. Nature vs. nurture, and the debate over biological reductionism: we are "embodied" beings who are particularly sensitive to experience, especially early experience. Idiographic vs. nomothetic approaches: just how unique are we as individuals? (uniqueness) (universal principles) The "goodness" or lack thereof of human nature (and the place of moral values in psychology) Limits to self knowledge and the extent to which we have a dynamic, unconscious mind. Society has a tendency to stay to the right, favor the right side. Science believes in randomness, no room for free will. The irreducible complexity of the "determinants" of human behavior. All of these are illustrated in the study of trauma and stress . People can experience the same event, yet have a different reaction/ experience to that similar event.