This research paper will explain both theories of structuralism and functionalism by using the dualist prospective to explain the interactional pattern between both these theories with the mind and body. Furthermore there will be an explanation of how both structuralism and functionalism have impacted the practice of psychology in these modern times. Then there will be an explanation about how both these theories are needed to describe our conscious mind and how they interact with the body.
The Theories of Structuralism and Functionalism
Since the begin of time, philosophers have been debating the issue of Structuralism and Functionalism theories for many years now and as of yet there is still no real consciences as to which theory is corrects, even in these modern times the debate still persist to this today. There are so many different viewpoints about these theories that you have to do your own research to find out which one is correct for your belief system. The process that will be used to explain both theories of Structuralism and Functionalism interaction with the mind and body will be the Dualism prospective. Furthermore there will be an explanation of how both these theories have impacted the practice of psychology in these modern times. Then there will be an explanation about how both these theories are needed to describe our conscious mind and how they interact with the body.
Dualism Prospective
This section will explain how the Dualism prospective will used to explain both theories of Structuralism and Functionalism and how they interactions with the mind and body.
According to Goodwin, (2009) dualism views the mind and the body as two distinct entities, and that one can and does exist alone. The centerpiece of the mind is the human ability to reason, while the body is in essence a machine. Humans combined the mechanical body with a mind that could reason. Descartes believed that the mind could have a direct influence on the body and the body could have a direct influence on the mind. This mind-body interaction is based on reflex response system. The reflex is an automatic stimulus-response reaction, and it provided a physiological model for Descartes’ position on the mind-body question. Descartes explained reflexes by proposing the existence of thin wire like “filaments” that existed within the nerves and extended to the brain. When the senses are stimulated, according to Descartes, these filaments move, causing certain “pores” in the brain to be opened. This in turn results in the flow of energy that produces the reflex movement. This reflex action can also give rise to the movement of energy flow in the brain. This process leads the mind to deliberately making decisions to act (Goodwin, 2009).
The dualism process can be used to explain how the mind can interact with the body by using the reflex response to relay the messages to the different body parts. When you come to know each structural component within the brain, then you can understand the functional aspects of how the brain interacts with the rest of the body. The process can be used to gain a better understanding of all psychological and biological component of the human body, which is closed system. The mind and body influences each other on how they will react to any given situation that may arise within our social environment. The mind and body are separate entities that work together to maintain the whole system.
Elevating Essay Writing: Delivering Excellence and Literary Distinction
Crafting Essays that Leave a Lasting Impression
In the realm of academic expression, where words have the power to shape ideas and inspire minds, we stand as a beacon of excellence. As dedicated essayists, we take immense pride in our ability to weave words into captivating narratives, enlightening arguments, and thought-provoking analyses. Our journey as essay writers has been one of continuous growth and meaningful impact. Let’s explore some remarkable instances where our expertise has made a significant difference.
Guiding Students Towards Success
Our journey is intertwined with the success stories of numerous students who sought our guidance. In one instance, a struggling undergraduate approached us with an intricate topic in the field of sociology. Through meticulous research and a nuanced understanding of the subject, we formulated an essay that not only secured the student’s academic standing but also ignited their passion for social sciences.
Similarly, a graduate student grappling with the complexities of literary criticism found solace in our expertise. We delved into the depths of literary theory, dissecting texts and exploring nuanced interpretations. The resulting essay not only garnered accolades but also instilled a newfound confidence in the student’s analytical abilities.
Breathing Life into Topics: Examples of Our Endeavors
The Intersection of Technology and Society: In an era dominated by technological advancements, we embarked on an essay that explored the intricate relationship between technology and society. By seamlessly blending sociological insights with technological trends, we created an essay that resonated with readers across disciplines.
Environmental Ethics and Sustainability: With environmental concerns taking center stage, we took on the challenge of crafting an essay that delved into the ethical dimensions of sustainability. Through rigorous research, we presented a compelling argument that not only addressed the urgency of the issue but also proposed actionable solutions.
Literary Analysis: Unraveling Symbolism: Literary works often conceal layers of symbolism. In an essay dedicated to the works of a renowned author, we unraveled the subtle threads of symbolism woven into the narrative. This essay not only celebrated the author’s craftsmanship but also offered readers a deeper appreciation for the written word.
A Tapestry of Literary Accolades
Our dedication to the art of essay writing has not gone unnoticed. Over the years, we have had the privilege of being recognized in esteemed literary competitions that celebrate creativity and intellectual prowess. These accolades serve as a testament to our commitment to delivering essays that transcend the ordinary and venture into the extraordinary.
Literary Award Highlights
Eloquent Prose Prize: Awarded by the Prestigious Wordsmith Guild, this accolade celebrated our mastery over language and the art of storytelling. The essay that earned us this honor explored the nuanced emotions of human existence through a compelling narrative.
Critical Thinker’s Commendation: Presented by the Symposium of Intellectual Thought, this award acknowledged our prowess in critical analysis. Our essay, dissecting the philosophical underpinnings of existentialism, showcased our ability to navigate complex ideologies with finesse.
Literary Luminary Award: Conferred by the Literary Confluence, this award celebrated our contribution to literary discourse. The winning essay, an exploration of the intersection between culture and identity, captured the essence of diverse human experiences.
Conclusion: Pioneering Excellence in Essay Writing
As we reflect on our journey as essayists, we are filled with a profound sense of purpose. Our dedication to delivering exceptional essays that enlighten, engage, and inspire remains unwavering. Through intricate narratives, incisive analyses, and unwavering commitment to the written word, we have carved a niche for ourselves in the realm of academic and literary excellence. Join us as we continue to shape ideas, foster growth, and transcend boundaries through the power of the written essay.
Structuralism and Functionalism
This section will explain Structuralism and Functionalism theories and how both these theories have impacted the practice of psychology.
Structuralism
According to Goodwin, (2009) he pointing out that Structuralist’s were more likely to ask the question “What is consciousness?” and the main goals for Structuralism psychology are to analyze human conscious experiences into its elemental units, then show how these units could be synthesized into mental processes. To achieve a complete analysis of the adult mind, the structuralist’s used laboratory research to explain the mental processes so they could understand the workings of the brain and nervous system. The main elements of conscious experience, according to Titchener, are sensations and their affects. These sensations have the attributes of being different with the intensity, duration, and clarity of their affects, whereas images aren’t as clear as sensations, because they lack clarity. Titchener viewed psychology as a pure laboratory science aimed at discovering the basic structure of human consciousness. Titchener was responsible for making psychology scientific for setting psychology up in the laboratory and reaching his conclusions through experiment under controlled conditions. Titchener’s Structuralism was the beginning of experimental psychology with it systematic method of introspection (Goodwin, 2009).
Functionalism
According to Angell, (1907) the functional psychology has three principal that form this theory. Functionalism is conceived as the psychology of mental operations instead of mental elements. Thus, the first principal is to discover “how” and “why” of consciousness. Functionalism deals with the problem of the mind by interceding between the environment and the needs of the organism. This process brings about the understanding of the fundamental psychology of consciousness within the mind. The second principal is to determine the process of consciousness and how they lend themselves to classification. Functionalism has been described as a psychophysical psychology that constantly recognizes and insists upon the essential significance of the mind-body relationship for an appreciation of mental life. Presently functional psychology has a broad, flexible and organic point of view in psychology (Angell, 1907).
According to Goodwin, (2009) he pointed out that functionalists were more concerned with the question “What is consciousness for?” This led to study topics ranging from developmental to abnormal psychology and led them to be interested in individual differences and how psychology could be used to solve everyday problems. Functionalism became a leading aspect in educational and cognitive behavioral psychology, because of the studies of trial-and-error learning and the scientifically proposed learning that occurred through the creation of connections between situations and responses that were successful in learning process, which make up the Law of Effect. These connections were strengthened with repetition of the situations and responses, which made up the Law of Exercise. The educational practices were influenced with S-R model with an S-O-R framework and emphasized motivational influences on behavior learning (Goodwin, 2009).
The Mind And Body
This section will describe how both theories are needed to explain how our mind and body work together.
According to Angell, (1903) there can exist no theoretical distinctions between philosophy and psychology, when psychology is interpreted as both structural and functional in their processes. The distinction between philosophy and psychology is largely the outcome of the prevalent attempt to make psychological an investigative science after the manner of biological procedure that treats the mind as an organism from a structural and functional prospective. The implications are that structural and functional aspects of the mind and body are characteristics of two processes for the same purpose. Psychology can’t, therefore, restrict ‘itself to merely structural problems, but questions as to what the make-up the conscious mind and body. The operations that are performed, cannot answer the questions without showing how and why they are performed (Angell, 1903).
According to Matarazzo, (1987) William A. Hunt began his career studying psychology by combining Titchener’s structuralism and Harvard’s functionalism in the field of health psychology. When he mastered and used the structuralist’s experimental method of introspection, and applying it to the study of human emotions (Matarazzo, 1987).
Conclusion
In conclusion the dualism process can be used to explain how the mind can interact with the body by using the reflex response to relay the messages to the different body parts. When you combined structural knowledge of the component within the brain, with the understanding of functional aspects of how the brain works and interacts with the rest of the body, then you can gain a better understanding of all psychological and biological component of the human body, which is closed system. The mind and body influences each other on how they will react to any given situation that may arise within our social environment. The mind and body are separate entities that work together to maintain the whole system.
