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Summary
Human motivation arises from two distinct psychological systems interacting throughout development. This dual system, supported by neuroscience, shaped human adaptability and creativity through interpersonal adaptation.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Human Evolution
Background:
- Human motivation is complex, with theories suggesting underlying dual systems.
- These systems interact developmentally, drawing on distinct emotional energies.
- Understanding these systems is crucial for comprehending human cognition and behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review psychological theory and propose two discrete human motivational systems.
- To present a hypothesis for the evolution of human cognitive flexibility.
- To explore the neuroscientific basis of these motivational systems.
Main Methods:
- Review of psychological theory and developmental tenets.
- Analysis of evidence from laterality studies, neuropsychology, and neurosciences.
- Formulation of a hypothesis based on eight stipulated premises.
Main Results:
- Identification of two discrete motivational systems, the Personal Self and the Social Self.
- Evidence suggests these systems stem from disparate emotional energies.
- These systems interact and reconcile, contributing to cognitive flexibility.
Conclusions:
- The human mind's flexibility, agility, and creativity are rooted in the interplay between Personal and Social Selves.
- This duality, shaped by millions of years of group living and survival pressures, is key to human adaptation.
- Neuroscientific evidence supports the hypothesis of dual hemispheric perspectives influencing human evolution.