Why we do what we do (Free PDF of the book)

I began the task of developing a general theory of psychology in 1974. The paper Creativity and Conflict in Psychological Science, written around 1982/3 summarises what I saw was needed (full paper at www.grlphilosophy.co.nz) .

By the time I wrote this paper I had come to fully understand that in order to build a general theory of psychology I first had to work out how to build it, what sort of methodological platform was needed and what intellectual tools were needed. I was 6-8 years into the task and had only worked out I was trying to dig a swimming pool with a plastic children’s beach shovel!

It took several years to develop the method and tools needed. I then had to apply the methodology and tools (remember there was no ‘text book’, the intellectual structure was original) that took several more years.

I finally ‘saw’ the theory January 1998, I still remember the ‘eureka’ moment. But what I ‘saw’ was so very different, it frightened me. How could that possibly be right?

Working out what it meant, how to interpret it, and overcoming my anxiety took several more years.

Finally, in 2012/13 I wrote the book presenting the theory. Then in 2014 I wrote several major essays elaborating and supporting the theory, and exploring how it applied. These essays are now included in the 6th edition of the book.

Book: The Origin of Consciousness Download free PDF here...

https://grahamlittle-my.sharepoint.com/personal/graham_grahamlittle_co_nz/_layouts/15/guestaccess.aspx?guestaccesstoken=QTJutoGakND1UsKRXdllbcFjU%2fIjLw9yycGRzyCZhqI%3d&docid=0639c9a42b45a4dd78ab559f6777ddf70

If you wish the book in your library, it is available print on demand via Lulu (www.lulu.com/spotlight/grahamlittle). By the end March 2016 edition 6 will be available hard back, dust cover, high quality, A4 sized reference book.

Read the ideas first. Decide if they for you. Decide ‘Origin’ offers an improved intellectual platform on which to base understanding of yourself.

The process of scientific endeavour

The process of scientific endeavor is based on the (largely) Popperian ideas:

1. Research begins with the questions.
2. Literature research then uncovers what has been historically said of the questions. Scholarship has two and only two function, first to ensure that which has been said historically is understood, second, to avoid plagiarism.
3. Tentative theories are created. Clear, transparent intellectual tools are applied whereby theory is created.
4. Theory is conceptually tested first to ensure it is ethically constructed and so meets the criteria of intellectual integrity. Second, that is addresses the full range of questions implicated in the system under study.
5. Empirical research is conducted to test the theory works in practice.
6. Once the theory that best meets the criteria is found, it is then subject to vigorous examination to uncover the next level of questions implied by the theory but not solved by it.
7. The process begins again.

Why would you bother …?

You have two choices, I am either stupid and misguided, or I am not. If you judge the former, then please, do not read on.

All historical lines of thinking about people are exhausted, and lead nowhere. We need to go back to basics and reassess how we are doing it, what we are doing and find better ideas. That is what I did, it took over 30 years.

Below are some of the questions that must be answered in any general theory of psychology. All questions are answered in the book.

• Human nature is the capacity to create ideas and apply them in survival. Why? How? Can that be proved?
• Humans have free will. How? What exactly does that mean and what is the impact of causality in human affairs?
• A person is a spirit within a mind with a brain within a body. All four components of being human are important. How? What exactly does this mean?
• Conscious is NOT a property of the brain, of neural operation, but a property of mind. How is that proved?
• What exactly is the relationship between body and mind?
• Do ideas ‘exist’, if so how? And how do they influence people?
• What is depression, mental illness, insanity, intelligence?
• How do we better manage our mind? What is a nouskill? Is emotional intelligence important? What does IQ measure?
• How do we understand our own creations? Knowledge, science, society, organizations…?
• How does this theory apply to physical science? Interpretation of quantum physics, and existence of time? Why is it important that any general theory of psychology apply to these questions?
• What exactly is our relationship to the external world and why does that question matter?
• What is strategic science, ethical construction and intellectual integrity? How do we judge the validity of our ideas?
• All humans are scientists searching for congruence of reality with Reality. What does this mean?

Remember, the books The Origin of Consciousness and Why Work are intended as arguments in proof of concept. The conclusions are NOT opinion, but deduced from theory, itself developed by applying well defined intellectual tools in a clear and specified manner. I make no apology for it being a chewy read. We will not fully understand ourselves and manage our selves more effectively without effort in thinking and reflection.