BIOLOGY AND THE SOCIAL SCIENCES

Abstract. The sciences may be conceptualized as a hierarchy ranked by level of organization (e.g., many-body physics ranks above particle physics). Each science serves as an antidiscipline for the science above it; that is, between each pair, tense but creative interplay is inevitable. Biology has advanced through such tension between its subdisciplines and now can serve as an antidiscipline for the social sciences—for anthropology, for example, by examining the connection between cultural and biological evolution; for psychology, by addressing the nature of learning and the structure of the unconscious; for economics, by examining economically irrational behavior and by comparing economic activity in humans and other species. Sociology, concerned mainly with advanced literate societies, is relatively remote from the genetic basis of human social behavior. However, moving between biological and social levels of organization generates richness and points to new and unexpected principles.     

Agricultural policy and strategic investment in information technology

In this article the perspective shifts to the “upstream” end of the agricultural knowledge and information system (AKIS). Because knowledge policy and strategic decision-making are not the prerogative of the public sector, organizations such as cooperative unions and multinational companies are included. After considering the influence of the changing environment on the nature of the AKIS, the role of knowledge management and policy in the emerging knowledge and information market is examined. Special attention is given to public and private R&D. The article then looks where information technology (IT) fits in and what considerations determine strategic investment in IT projects and sustained services. Some of the European experiences with this strategic investment are evaluated.     

Connecting the Commodore 64 to the IBM PC

Hardware is described that permits bidirectional transfer of data between the Commodore 64 and an IBM-compatible PC. Commercial terminal programs can be used to transmit data. The hardware, which can be constructed for less than $15, opens up several opportunities for making good use of the cost-effective C64 computer.     

Neuropsychological analysis of some dynamic aspects of the sexual drive in men and women

IN PREVIOUS WORKS the author has proposed the conception of an affect-behavioral system as the neuropsychological basis of fundamental emotions and drives. It consists of ten subsystems (SS) integrated with relations of reciprocal induction and facilitation. The SSs are: (1) SS of flight, (2) SS of aggression, (3) SS of socially channeled attack, (4) SS of mutual aid, (5) SS of autoaggression, (6) SS of food taking, (7) SS of inhibition of food taking, (8) SS of vomiting, (9) SS of sexual contacts, and (10) SS of inhibition of sexual contacts. To the activity of the different SSs correspond fundamental emotions and drives. Thus, to the activity of the SS of flight corresponds fear; to the activity of the SS of aggression, socially uncultivated anger; to the activity of the SS of sexual contacts, sexual drive; and so forth. In the paper, appropriate observations are analyzed. They reveal that the activity of the SSs of flight and vomiting can inhibit reciprocally the sexual drive; whereas, the activity of the SSs of socially channeled attack, of mutual help, and of aggression can facilitate it. The activity of the SS of autoaggression is two-sided: According to the personality structure and the situation, it can inhibit or facilitate the sexual drive.