1
EVALUATION OF THE BIOLOGICAL APPROACH
In support of the approach
1. We need to know the basis of what makes us tick. If we don’t then we cannot
really claim to know anything about behaviour at all. Some would claim that all
behaviour should be explained on a physiological level because all that we are is
contained in our neural and hormonal reactions.
2. If we know the physiological basis of some aspects of behaviour (e.g. depression)
then we can treat the problem using drugs, which could solve the problem entirely
if it’s simply a straightforward chemical imbalance. Plus, some aspects of
physiology and anatomy are very useful when it comes to diagnosing brain damage
etc.
3. Evolutionary theory can offer some neat explanations of behaviour that would
otherwise be inexplicable (e.g. graffiti, appendix).
4. The more we know about the brain, the more we should be able to explain how we
tick: it is the seat of all our knowledge after all.
Criticisms of the approach
1. It’s reductionist, which leads to the following criticisms:
(a) If someone comes to you with depression is it any use to them to tell them
that their serotonin receptors are not functioning properly?
(b) Mind/body problem 1: psychology has great influence on physiology (stress
and illness)
(c) Mind/body problem 2: sensation is not necessarily the same as perception
(d) Consciousness: what is it, where is it and is it any use finding it?
(e) What about free will? Biological approach advocates determinism.
2. Evolutionary approach has a number of problems:
(a) Altruism: difficult to explain. Even sociobiologists come up with some very
convoluted explanations.
(b) Our developing cortex means that we rely less on instincts and more on
“higher” processes.
(c) Our behaviour is very much socially and culturally determined.
3. Genes: Difficult to separate genes and environmental influences on behaviour.