Basic Conceptions
Explanation
Four conceptions are so fundamental and popularly confused or misunderstood, that they deserve being explained together on one page. Each will be developed further in Topics to follow.
[1] is the field of study, but it cannot be studied apart from [2], because these are what was required for evolutionary success.
Any complex real field of study is a system whose elements must be identified, named and ordered to allow meaningful investigations: this generates a [3] —THEE.
Finally [4], the «» is popularly conceived as a (metaphorical) instrument for handling or containing our and . However, it appears to be an unnecessary concept that does not correspond to anything observable.
Now, consider each of these conceptions in turn.
[1] Personal Functioning
is an observable requirement for survival, dependent on biological functioning but distinguished from it in being:
- a volitional property of a ‘whole person’ (i.e. bio-psycho-social).
- the generator of ‘psychosocial reality’ i.e. World 2 in K. Popper’s schema, and philosophically labeled as metaphysical;
- called into play by ‘endeavours’;
- based in affective states (feelings, emotions).
Examples: comparing, intervening, visualizing, varying, planning, signaling, valuing, risking, feeling, knowing, arbitrating, choosing, helping, structuring, orchestrating, adapting, needing, obeying, judging, stabilizing, prioritizing, leading, representing &c.
can be represented as a non-physical system of systems, called domains. I have identified two sorts of Domain: Root & Primary.
The Root Domain, which enables and , ultimately supports both personal and biological functioning through . It is named , and is structured via distinctive manifestations, each of which forms a Primary Domain e.g. and are two distinct Domains. Primary Domains are socially controlled, and contribute to endeavours.
Each Domain has its own evolutionarily acquired primal need e.g. the is about the need for knowledge. Domains have control systems to enable meeting those needs e.g. is the source of controls within the .
in each Domain is shaped and driven, at times irrationally or destructively, by a specific felt pressure e.g. the is affected by a pressure for certainty. Psychosocial pressures are quasi-instinctual and believed to emerge from neurobiological systems.
[2] Endeavours
An is a goal-directed course of action that:
- depends on effort (will)
- requires relevant knowledge to succeed
- is owned and valued by at least one person
- affects other persons directly or indirectly
- alters a shared reality and reality-in-itself.
The experiential and intrinsically personal aspect of endeavours is primary:
i.e. «who is involved» and «how they feel» matters to outcomes in social life.
Endeavours also have a technical-material and intrinsically impersonal aspect:
i.e. where substitution of persons or change in culture has no effect on outcomes.
Scientific understanding has focused on technical-material issues with outstanding results. This taxonomic study of throws a scientific light on personal issues including:
- personal uniqueness and preferences
- diversity within and between groups
- integration of practical and ethical demands
- organising for effectiveness
- intrusion of destructive tendencies.
The scientific goal is to increase understanding of ourselves and our situations as we pursue our endeavours, and to develop intellectual technologies that are both practical and generally beneficial.
[3] A Taxonomy
A taxonomy identifies and orders all elements that exist within a portion of reality that becomes a field of scientific study.
If the schema is comprehensive, unified, dynamic, useful and atheoretical, then this is a taxonomy (or ontology) that is a model or map of that reality.
Example: Anatomy of the human body.
THEE is a map of human functioning within endeavours, and is divided into various Domains as explained above. It is an impersonal scientific product purporting to represent all practical, social, organisational, emotional, intellectual, ethical and spiritual elements (as categories) actually or potentially existent in our lives.
These elements are all metaphysical in nature, but they can be brought into awareness, closely observed, and socially shared. Notice that such phenomena are elements of personal functioning i.e. the taxonomic field is an inescapable ever-present reality (as terms of reference) for all of us. It is impossible to take up a position outside it.
Taxonomic entities are recognized and arranged in structures (frameworks) within a Domain via their:
- Function – the essence that contributes to .
- Properties – distinguishing qualities
- Relationships – effects and interactions.
In this Taxonomy, each Domain contains a distinctive triplet of structured fundamentals: a Vehicle that generates an Effect and operates within a Field. Domains have a system of intrinsic Controls, and there are also over-arching Ethical Controls.
The Taxonomy is a system of structured frameworks with a complex architecture, but it uses just a few inter-linked structural forms. Hierarchy and duality play major roles, and a Tree pattern provides for the dynamics in everyday functioning.
[4] The Mind
The «mind» is commonly conceived metaphorically as an instrument that handles . We talk as if it is the «mind» that meets our vital needs, physical and psychosocial, and responds to our inner pressures.
It is impossible to study the «mind» scientifically, because that term does not correspond with anything observable. By contrast, it is possible to study both (in a metaphysical world) and concurrent biological changes including brain functioning (in the physical world).
See more here.
More detail:
Originally posted: 1-March-2015. Last amended 9-Sep-2018.