Conjectures: Instinctual Pressures

NOTE: Since drafting these few Topic on biology, I have commenced reading of modern neuroscience in relation to affects and behaviors. This reading is broadly supportive and highly suggestive. Except for correcting gross errors, I do not intend to incorporate what I am now learning until it is properly digested. As always, I am seeking input from specialists.

Resonance via Pressure

Resonance is the psychosocial similarity between two taxonomic elements that flows from a similarity in their formulae. The more similar the formulae, the greater the resonance to the point at which people may argue that the two entities are actually the "same thing". Note that the causes of resonance are poorly understood.

Measures of resonance Closed i.e. formula similarity, have not yet been developed. However, resonance would be expected to show up between level-entities whose only formula difference is the numeral after PH.

There is resonance between PH-L• phenomena based on similarities that differ from those initially identified. These similarities can be traced to:

a) the kernel phenomenon as previously described; and
b) a particular pressure generated by the instinct-based Root Level contribution.

Pressure may be perceived as a mild wish or an intense demand, but when the function is taken seriously, the pressure is strong. (Probably pressure is equivalent to drive. Terminology here has not been finalized.)

It is conjectured that the psychosocial pressures are innate with instinctual-neuro-physiological origins (as explained here). Only some of these have been established at this point in time.

The summary of proposed pressures and their assumed biological origins are shown here. Details and explanations are provided in the next topic.

Levels
in PHs
Root Level Requirement Psychosocial Pressure
Advanced Biological Instinct  
L7s Willingness-RL7 Selflessness for Transcendence  
L6s Purpose-RL6 Autonomy for Importance/Goodness  
L5s Communication-RL5 Understanding for Language  
L4s Experience-RL4 Well-being for Endeavour
 
L3s Change-RL3 Acceptability for Identity/Safety  
L2s Inquiry-RL2 Certainty for Knowledge  
L1s Action-RL1 Performance for Movement  

Primitive & Advanced Instincts/Drives/Circuits

We tend to think globally of an «instinct for survival» and superficially that appears to be the case. The psychosocial equivalent is an «instinct for coping». However, it is generally accepted that survival/coping actually depends on the activation of numerous discrete instincts (as defined earlier) i.e. neuro-mental/behavioral systems.

The dysfunction of any one of our fundamental instincts/systems threatens survival/coping. My proposition is that it may be worth distinguishing two forms of biological instinct in the higher animals: «primitive» and «advanced».

The nature of evolution suggests that the advanced instincts must have their root in primitive affective neural circuits located in the mid-brain and other reptilian structures like the basal ganglia &c.

In practice, all advanced instincts are necessary to manage the primitive instincts. As examples:

• Sexuality is an instinct, but unsafe sex is undesirable.
• Aggression is an instinct, but mindless violence is harmful.
• Herding is an instinct, but lemming-like catastrophes are unnecessary.

As a result, any primitive instinct, when expressed as a human endeavour, requires management by the advanced instincts.
ClosedDetails for sexual gratification

Consequence of Innateness

Whereas with primitive drives, satiation is possible. You can have enough shelter, enough food, enough water, enough sex. However, with advanced drives, the psychosocial pressure seems more insistent and inexorable. It is rare to feel:

RL7 - transcendent enough
RL6 - important enough, things are good enough
RL5 - understood enough
RL4 - loved enough, enough pleasure.
RL3 - safe enough, appreciated enough
RL2 - certain enough, confident enough
RL1 - performed well enough, enough has been done.


Initially posted: 2-Aug-2013. Amended 15-Jun-2014.




All material here is in a draft form. There will be errors and omissions. Nothing should be copied or distributed without express permission. Thank you.Copyright © Warren Kinston 2009-2018. All Rights Reserved.


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