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Psychology’s Relation to Biology: Qualitatively Distinct Levels

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Recent Trends in Theoretical Psychology

Part of the book series: Recent Research in Psychology ((PSYCHOLOGY))

Summary

Biology is construed as a broad substratum which is necessary for psychology but which does not strictly determine it. This model of ‘relative autonomy’ is supported by evidence from human genetics, neurophysiology, sexual behavior, and aggression. Psychology’s relative autonomy is contrasted with animal behavior and neonatal activity, and is shown to be the source of our creativity, freedom, intelligence, individuality, and culture.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA, USA

    Carl Ratner

Authors
  1. Carl Ratner
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Advanced Study in Theoretical Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, T6G 2E9

    Wm J. Baker  & Leendert P. Mos  & 

  2. Department of Psychology, The Free University, 1007, MC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Hans V. Rappard

  3. Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 1N4

    Henderikus J. Stam

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© 1988 Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

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Ratner, C. (1988). Psychology’s Relation to Biology: Qualitatively Distinct Levels. In: Baker, W.J., Mos, L.P., Rappard, H.V., Stam, H.J. (eds) Recent Trends in Theoretical Psychology. Recent Research in Psychology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-3902-4_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-3902-4_10

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-387-96757-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4612-3902-4

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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