Modern dialectics in social psychology: A reappraisal

The current status of dialectic theory in social psychology is critically examined. Its basic and interdependent assumptions are discussed and recent misconceptions analyzed. An attempt is made to clarify major confusions and misinterpretations of dialectics regarding such issues as dialectics as a conceptual versus a methodological tool, dialectics as a form of cognitive process, dialectics as a firm of interactionism, and dialectical contradictions as semantic opposites. To illustrate the relevance of dialectic theory to current issues a major dualism in social psychology is examined, namely that of individual versus social theorizing. Drawing liberally from Marxist social theory it is shown how the traditional dualism is resolved through dialectics. Finally, a response is firmed to criticisms addressed to the current status of social psychology. It is shown that dialectics not only incorporates most of the demands raised by these criticisms, but also enhances the field by pointing toward new perspectives and directions.     

Sensponsive architecture as a tool to stimulate the senses and alleviate the psychological disorders of an individual

The paper presents an ongoing research project that aims to help individuals with mild psychological disorders, like depression, to reduce the use of medication and escape a possible addiction to drugs by transforming their immediate or broader living space into a sensponsive environment. It is an innovative, multidisciplinary, non-invasive approach through the domains of architecture, computer science, psychology and endocrinology. Initially, the paper presents the connections between space and human behavior, and specifically, the ways in which the spatial qualities of the surrounding environment affect the human senses and consequently the hormonal changes and the production of the corresponding emotions and actions. As a next step, the paper outlines the creation of sensponsive environments that are programmed to sense human discomfort by monitoring changes in facial expression and body movement and respond to them accordingly by transforming their spatial elements in order to make people feel better. The proposed sensponsive spaces are equipped with biomedical monitoring systems, smart materials and sensor-actuator assemblies with programmed re-actions (haptic, olfactory, chromatic and so on) that help people refine their feeling of the surrounding space, guiding its smooth transition to a comfortable--for the body and the mind-place. The paper concludes with the next step of this research initiative, the sensponsive suit, a personalized wearable assembly enhanced with technology to positively affect the psychological health of the wearer.