Comparing James And Functionalism

James/Functionalism: James’ theory of functionalism relates behavioral habits of organisms as a survival technique or adaptation that would allow them to live long enough to reproduce and pass down their genes and habits to offspring. This theory was strongly influenced by the work of Charles Darwin and his theory on evolution and heredity. In terms of the chicken crossing the road and functionalism, the motivation would survival. It could be motivated by being chased by a predator, the presence something across the road essential for the chicken’s survival, such as food or water, or another chicken to reproduce with. The goal of the chicken is to live long enough to procreate and further the existence of its species, while also passing on its own genetic code and adaptations to its offspring.
This theory has led to the development of modern psychotherapy. Freud was a neurologist who mainly dealt with patients who had nervous disorders, and was one of the first medical doctors to truly devote his studies to psychology and the brain. Freud discovered his patients were suffering from nonphysical symptoms and resolved that his patients’ unconscious minds were the cause of their pain. The chicken instinctually crosses the road because a stimulus incites the chicken to act unconsciously. This could be driven by the will to survive in the chicken’s unaware brain. The repressed urges that Freud mentioned could be the inspiration for the chicken’s continued existence; this would lead the chicken to successfully