The theory of the organism-environment system: II. Significance of nervous activity in the organism-environment system

Integrative Physiological and Behavioral Science 33 (4):335-342 (1998)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

The relation between mental processes and brain activity is studied from the point of view of the theory of the organism-environment system. It is argued that the systemic point of view leads to a new kind of definition of the primary tasks of neurophysiology and to a new understanding of the traditional neurophysiological concepts. Neurophysiology is restored to its place as a part of biology: its task is the study of neurons as living units, not as computer chips. Neurons are living units which are organised as metabolic systems in connection with other neurons; they are not units which would carry out some psychological functions or maintain states which are typical only of the whole organism-environment system. Psychological processes, on the other hand, are processes always comprising the whole organism-environment system.

Author's Profile

Timo Jarvilehto
University of Helsinki (PhD)

Analytics

Added to PP
2009-01-28

Downloads
489 (#30,838)

6 months
47 (#75,115)

Historical graph of downloads since first upload
This graph includes both downloads from PhilArchive and clicks on external links on PhilPapers.
How can I increase my downloads?