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The Functions of ConsciousnessWhile some psychologists were trying to discover what consciousness is by analyzing experiences and relating them to environmental and organic factors, other investigators of consciousness were more interested in what conscious_ ness does; that is, in its functions. Perhaps the most important impetus for such a «functional» approach to the study of consciousness came fromthe Darwin_ ian doctrine of evolution. Darwin, in discussing the struggle for existence, had pointed out that organisms which have the most adequate means of adjusting to their environment are those most likely to survive. How consciousness might aid survival of organisms appeared, therefore, worthy of scientific study. Intro_ spection revealed that learning a motor skill makes one vividly conscious at first of one’s activities. As the habit approaches perfection, however, consciousness gradually recedes. The perfected habit then is carried out automatically, with_ out necessary participation of consciousness. Thus it appeared that conscious_ ness contributes to the survival of organisms by aiding them to learn. This approach to the study of consciousness failed to advance an under_ standing of what consciousness is, or even, to any appreciable extent, what consciousness does. Nevertheless, it proved very important in shaping the fur_ ther development of psychology. Seeking to discover the functions of con_ sciousness in adjustment, psychologistswere led to investigate the learning pro_ cess itself. They eventually payed attention less to consciousness and more to the environmental and organic conditions which produce efficient learning. Such a change of emphasis made psychology what had previously been regarded as a science of the functions of consciousness, a science of behaviour. (Norman Mann. «Psychology». N.Y., 1968, pp. 6 —8) Date: 2015-01-29; view: 2461
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