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Freud's dual process theory and the place of the a-rational

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 March 2004

Linda A. W. Brakel  and
Howard Shevrin
Linda A. W. Brakel
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI48109-0722
Howard Shevrin
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI48109-0722
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Abstract:

In this commentary on Stanovich & West (S&W) we call attention to two points: (1) Freud's original dual process theory, which antedates others by some seventy-five years, deserves inclusion in any consideration of dual process theories. His concepts of primary and secondary processes (Systems 1 and 2, respectively) anticipate significant aspects of current dual process theories and provide an explanation for many of their characteristics. (2) System 1 is neither rational nor irrational, but instead a-rational. Nevertheless, both the a-rational System 1 and the rational System 2 can each have different roles in enhancing evolutionary fitness. Lastly, System 1 operations are incorrectly deemed “rational” whenever they increase evolutionary fitness.

Type
Continuing Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 26 , Issue 4 , August 2003 , pp. 527 - 528
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2003

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References

Note

Commentary on Stanovich, K. E. and West, R. F. “Individual differences in reasoning: Implications for the rationality debate?” BBS 23(5):645–726 [October 2000]