Ethology and Psychology

Abstract

Since the beginnings of scientific ethology, the question was posed concerning to what extent the knowledge and insight gained from the study of animals could be applied to an understanding of human behavior and psychology. This discussion always involved speculations and was laden with misunderstandings. Opinions differ, not only outside ethology but also within the discipline. Response ranges from the incorporation of ethological results and theories into psychology to the total rejection of any attempts at such comparisons. The first position is based on the unquestionable fact of our human origins from nonhuman ancestors, and on the agreements and similarities of physical characteristics and functions that follow from this acceptance. It is hard to imagine why behavior in its totality should be an exception to this. The opposing opinion is rooted in the view that humans have diverged from all nonhuman organisms, especially with respect to behavior, so that comparisons are not valid—at least there are no theoretical or practical consequences. There may, of course, be philosophical or other reservations as well.