ABSTRACT

This chapter outlines a framework for understanding the organization, functioning, and development of persons. It deals with the identification of basic human attributes, and an examination of the issues of units of analysis, parts, and wholes as they relate to the concept of organization. Historically, attempts to study and understand humans have been significantly influenced by models borrowed from the natural sciences. The physical structure and organization of the human body both define and limit its potential functional capabilities. One of the distinguishing features of humans is their capability for inventing supplementary structures to expand their functional capabilities. Various forms and combinations of these two perspectives have dominated human thinking on this matter with first one and then another being the prevailing theme. Humans establish goals and seek to reach them “through decisive action and deliberate effort.” Thus, nature exists as a hierarchy of active, organized forms—a hierarchy which appears to be open at both ends.