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One of the most challenging aspects of the unified system that I developed is that it is experienced by many as complicated to the point of being overwhelming. To the newly acquainted, it seems to have many new terms and moving parts. I have tried to deal with this in a number of different ways. Sometimes, I have tried to focus on one key aspect. Other times, I liken it to being like “learning a new language”, which of course takes time. In my book, A New Unified Theory of Psychology, I broke it up into four distinct pieces and focused on how it could solve the problem of psychology. More recently, via several entries in this blog on PT, I have tried to share how it helps make sense of human psychology in an easy to read, accessible way (my wife tells me I am intermittently successful in this regard!).
Here I attempt to articulate what I see as ten key insights or claims that provide the foundation for the unified approach. I will let the statements stand, but do provide links or powerpoints for some elaboration. I realize that the links are back to the original theory, which means I have not solved the problem of "jargon". But I am hoping that the ten statements can sink in as key points that together point the way to what the unified approach is saying.
Ten Key Insights
1. The Universe consists of four fundamental dimensions of complexity: 1) Matter; 2) Life; 3) Mind; and 4) Culture.
This is the most basic, repeated feature of the unified approach. The reason there are four separable dimensions is because, following Matter, each dimension emerges as a function of a novel information processing system (genetic, neuronal, linguistic). These dimensions are linked by "joint points": 1) Quantum Gravity; 2) the Modern Evolutionary Synthesis; 3) Behavioral Investment Theory; and 4) the Justification Hypothesis.
2. Psychology is about ‘mental behavior’, NOT behavior and mental processes.
Mind versus brain/body/behavior dualism is one of the most convoluted issues in our current knowledge structure, and the discipline of psychology has not resolved it. The ToK shows that 'Mind' can be thought of as the third dimension of complexity, which is the set of mental behavior. This blog on Defining Psychology, articulates in greater detail what is meant by mental behavior and how it relates to psychology. This blog on ‘What is the mind? offers additional clarifications.
3. Animals are “behavioral investors”.
The unified approach views the nervous system as an “investment value system” that coordinates animal action on a cost-benefit computation that is shaped by evolutionary forces and learning. Framed in terms of Behavioral Investment Theory, the unified approach combines computational neuroscience, Skinner's behavioral selection, and modern evolutionary theory for a comprehensive approach to animal behavioral science. It also is organize around six key principles, which are the 1) Principle of Energy Economics; 2) Principle of Evolution; 3) Principle of Behavioral Genetics; 4) Principle of Computational Control; 5) Principle of Learning; and 6) Principle of Development. See here for a chapter on Behavioral Investment Theory.
4. Perceptions are referenced against Motivations which lead to Emotions, which guide overt mental behavior.
The short hand for this is P - M => E. It means that the proper way to think about mental behavior is not Stimulus->Response, or Input->Output, but in terms of a control equation, where what we perceived is measured against our goals, which in turn activates affect systems to approach or avoid. For an understanding of perceptions, and how they are formed by both "bottom up" and "top down processes", see this blog. For an understanding of how perceptions relate to motives, which lead to emotions in a control theory way, see here.
5. The Core Human Psychosocial Need is to be Known and Valued by Self and Important Others.
As profoundly social creatures, humans have a deep-seated need for "social connection and influence", which they experience as the feeling of being 'known and valued by self and important others'. This is called the need for Relational Value-Social Influence or the "RV-SI line". Attachment theory describes the foundation of this system, and it evolves with development, as described here.
6. People Relate on the Dimensions of Power, Love, and Freedom.
How do people achieve relational value? Via the dimensions of Power, Love, and Freedom. Power is shorthand for competing against others. This can be direct (in terms of dominance and rank) or indirect in terms of status and achievement. 'Love' refers to joining with others' interests and includes kin based, romantic, friendship and group attachments. Freedom refers to the need for self-determination and to be free from the control of others. The Influence Matrix maps the core need for Relational Value and process dimensions of power, love and freedom. Power, Love and Freedom motives are often in conflict.
7. Human Consciousness consists of Three Parts and Two filters.
Your perceptions, drives, feelings, and imaginative wonderings make up your experiential self, which we share with other mammals. You also have a private self-consciousness system, which refers to your identity, self-concept, and the narrator in your head that explains the world around you, and is what most people refer to when they use the term "I". Finally, there is the public self that is shared with others. For a host of reasons, described here and here, there is filtering between these systems. Disharmony between these systems is a key factor in mental health problems.
8. Cultures are Evolving Systems of Justification.
Capital 'C' Culture refers to the shared systems of beliefs and values that coordinate groups of people with a shared identity and provide the context for individuals to justify their actions. These are large-scale systems of justification, and include the norms, laws, political systems, religions, values, expectancies, role divisions, narratives and other assumptions that frame and give meaning to social interaction. Capital 'C' Culture is one key part of the whole of human society, which also includes technology and human skilled, traditional practices situated in a biophysical ecology.
9. Science is a Kind of Justification System Built on the Value of Accuracy.
Broadly speaking, there are two 'deep' problems of justification. Justification of fact (i.e., the question of what is accurate or true) and justification of value (the question of how we ought to be or what we ought to do). Although individuals live based on interlocking systems of fact and value that feedback on one another, the institution of science emerged because scientific methodology could be applied to questions of fact. The ToK System depicts science as a kind of justification system emerging out of Culture.
10. The Fifth Joint Point is Upon Us.
The ToK System points out that the key feature associated with "phase shifts" in nature is the emergence of a novel form of information processing. The last 50 or so years has seen the emergence of electronic computation and the Internet, which suggests that we are living in a remarkable time. This might result in a whole new dimension of complexity. Or it might result in a collapse. The Unified Approach argues the former is much more likely if we can link our large scale justification systems together and coordinate the change in a manner consistent with the human condition. See here for more on the 5th joint point.
ToK Art
