About the Book
Psychologists like to claim that Psychology is a science, yet, until now, the discipline has lacked any real scientific laws, has had no overarching scientific paradigm and has been blighted by poor replicability of research, all of which have dogged the discipline. Attempts to place Psychology under a single scientific umbrella, e.g. Behaviourism, Cognitivism, Biological Science, Social Science or Human Science, have all failed for a host of reasons.
This unique book presents a single paradigm for all of Psychology within a framework of Natural Science. For example, it employs as a model an organising principle known in another scientific discipline for over a century, the principle of Homeostasis. Findings across the entire discipline including perception, learning, emotion, stress, addiction, well-being and consciousness are all shown to be consistent with a new paradigm based on this, and other principles drawn from natural science.
Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: Reset Equilibrium Function
Chapter 2: Homeostasis, Balance, Stability
Chapter 3: Entrainment, Rhythm, Synchrony
Chapter 4: Learning, Striving, Inhibiting
Chapter 5: Consciousness, Imaging, Acting
Chapter 6: Constructing Niches, Making Friends, Falling In Love
Chapter 7: Emoting, Regulating, Self-control
Chapter 8: Addiction, Drinking, Surfing the Internet
Chapter 9: Sleeping, Insomnia, Work-Life Balance
Chapter 10: Resilience, Happiness, Intervention
About the Author :
David F. Marks is a psychologist specializing in Health Psychology, Mental Imagery and Consciousness research.
Review :
The field of psychology has many theories, but no General Theory. The unifying theory David Marks presents, along with the 20 principles, provide rich soil for further testing and opens up exciting avenues for psychology.
This inspiring book applies the seemingly simple biological concept of homeostasis to human behaviour. There is beautiful historic detail about key researchers, whilst considering modern issues such as stress, lack of sleep and addiction. A compelling read, which feels like an engaging lecture, by a passionate and considered speaker.
In ′A General Theory of Behaviour, David Marks has applied scientifically established theory to conceptualize disparate areas of Psychology in a manner that both unifies and brings greater insight, establishing this book as a milestone text of the 21st century.
In A General Theory of Behaviour, David Marks embarks on the rare journey of creating a central theory of human behaviour, the things that underpin how we think, what we do, how we affiliate with others, and who we become... Marks brings exceptional insights and a driving logic to bear to navigate through many fragmented theories of behaviour that are by their nature partial and limited. It is not that these more fragmented theories are not often important, but that we need the grander theory to hold disparate ideas together. Marks does so convincingly and in a way that is testable, refutable, and often even entertaining... He demands that the reader think, question, and grasp a broad framework, and doing so will require the kind of thought that our Internet-based, 140 character thinking has been reversing. His ideas are truly worth the effort to sit back with a cup of coffee, and if necessary even a scotch, and think through, ponder, go back over, and incorporate into our appreciation of the eternal question of "what drives human behaviour." In A General Theory of Behaviour Marks has made a true contribution to psychology that comes from his careful listening, watching, and thinking over a decades-long career. It is his major contribution and one everyone interested in grasping the essence of human behaviour should tackle.
A General Theory of Behavior is an innovative and promising new theory that integrates the long tradition of investigations on homeostasis with contemporary research in such diverse areas as emotion, addiction and sleep. A truly original and wide-ranging study of human nature, this book will be foundational for anyone who considers the importance of theory for modern psychology.
