Monday, February 17, 2014

Have your opinions regarding human nature changed over the years?

2/17/14.


Yes. My current view is that human nature is deeply woven with contradictions, conflicts, and discontents. Genetics and environments are equally important contributions to understanding human nature. The proper use of reason is to recognize reason's limitations. Reason is the "rider" holding the reins on the "elephant" of unconscious desires and values. Understanding human nature springs from the mystery of the generation of consciousness, the basic experience of humans on which our social and personal relationships rest. We do not understand how consciousness is produced, nor do we understand its full potential. There is little science that applies to our understanding of human nature. So our understanding of human nature takes the form of stories, religions, ideologies, and beliefs.


Steven J. Ceresnie, Ph.D.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Medication: The smart-pill oversell

2/13/14. The war on treatment for ADHD continues. After 50 years of intensive study, some claim we are finding out that medication for ADHD is not effective.



To believe that medication for ADHD cures all ills is unrealistic.


Medication adjusts a patient's steering wheel and brakes, and cleans off her windshield (I am from Motown). Medication does not instill purpose, meaning, or values to determine where the patient wants to drive to, or even whether she wants to get into the car.


Treating ADHD is never as simple as just giving somebody medicine.






http://www.nature.com/polopoly_fs/1.14701!/menu/main/topColumns/topLeftColumn/pdf/506146a.pdf

Monday, February 10, 2014