[From Bob C. (980613.0048)]
Bruce Nevin, thanks for the welcome and the tips.
Rick (980611.1110)]
I'd be interested in hearing why you think PCT "fits" evolutionary
psychology and epistemology. From what I know of evolutionary
psychology it seems to me that that discipline has a _lot_ to
earn from PCT. In particular, I think evolutionary psychology
could benefit enormously from PCT by learning what behavior _is_.
...
No one else seems to have much to say these days. Perhaps now
is a good time for you to start a discussion of your impression
of the relationship between PCT and evolutionary psychology.
First, I do not want to get myself into a position of defending evolutionary
psychology (EP) to the hilt because it is not something I am highly identified
with. I went through a stage of being pretty interested in it and reading
much until it became pretty repetative. Then I got hooked on PCT. My comments
were more put in simply to explain how I came to PCT. When I said that PCT
fit, I meant more that it fits from both what I can observe of others, and
what I experience myself. After learning about PCT, my view of EP has
altered. However, I do think that an EP could be formulated which is
consistent with PCT and I will take a stab at your suggestion. But, I want to
reiterate that I do not want to fall into defending EP and also say that my
ideas are not likely to be as precise as you would like.
First, I think taking into account evolution will help constrain the search
for variables people and animals control especially when what they are
actually controlling for is different than what they are purportedly
controlling. It seems that this would apply to nearly all controled variables
since intrinsic references are inherited and the hierarchy is ultimately
organized to satisfy the intrinsic references.
Second, I agree wtih others who think there is a blind variation and
selective retention process within an individual and that this is a big piece
of how reorganization works.
Well the above is a quite brief view of how I think EP and PCT are related,
none of which is particularly novel to this group. I will have to do more
thinking if you want more details or examples, but time is short for now.
Great! It would also be nice if you could suggest some _actual_
experimental tests to which we could subject PCT.
I'll give this some thought from what I've read so far, and I'll share
whatever thoughts I have as I follow the threads. But, I must caution that my
primary mission in life at this point is to be the best clinical psychologist
I can be.
Bob C.