Citation

Sidis B. J. Abnorm. Psychol. (1906) 1919; 14(1-2): 91-143.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1919, American Psychopathological Association, Publisher Gorham Press)

DOI

10.1037/h0071132

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Discusses the psycho-physical theory of the subconscious, which include the causation and nature of subconscious activities, and the laws of normal and abnormal suggestibility. The selective will-activity of the highest nerve-systems, which are characterized by thought, reasoning, choice and will, form the nucleus of man's rational life. The biological significance of this consciousness is that it improves the organism's chances for survival in life. Under normal conditions, man's controlling consciousness, as well as his reflexes, function in harmony; however, under certain abnormal conditions, the two systems may become dissociated. The laws formulated for normal and abnormal suggestibility are helpful for understanding social psychology and pathology. Analyzes societies under widely different conditions of development, and concludes that the cultivation of man's rational, free individuality, is the source and aim of human progress. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)