The evolutionary distinctiveness of the brain and soul of homo sapiens: implications in the clinic
September 23, 2021
In this course we will analyze, from an evolutionary perspective, some important characteristics of Homo Sapiens Sapiens infants, the result of millions of years of evolution, which affect adult development and psychic life.
What are the special features that distinguish the brain, psyche and nervous system of human beings from that of other animals?
On the one hand, as a species, we are very similar to other anthropomorphic apes: in fact, we have less than 2 percent of DNA different from that of chimpanzees. On the other hand, the complexity of our emotional, cultural and mental life is unparalleled in other living species.
Analyzing the evolutionary system as a whole and through comparison with other species (neuroethology), we will deal, in a new perspective, with concepts belonging to Psychoanalysis revisited in the light of new neurobiological knowledge: psychic-neural energy, body movements and psychic movements, instincts and drives, external individuals and internal objects.
This course aims to provide the physiological and psychological basics that are useful both to better understand the clinic of our patients and to have a broader and more comprehensive view of the topics that will be covered in subsequent courses.
