In this episode, Dr. Eric Jones, a professor of psychology at Regent University, concludes his discussion of the concept of the relational person and its implications for psychology. He explains that the traditional materialistic and atomistic view of the individual is insufficient to explain social thought and behavior. Instead, he argues for a relational model that emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals and the importance of relationships in shaping behavior and identity. However, he acknowledges that his viewpoint is not widely accepted in the field of psychology, which tends to favor materialistic and evolutionary perspectives. He also notes that his perspective aligns with his Christian beliefs, something that may limit acceptance of his ideas within the scientific community. Should that disqualify these ideas from consideration? Certainly not, says host Robert J. Marks. “It’s people that are against consensus that actually make the breakthroughs,” he reminds listeners.

Additional Resources

• Minding the Brain: Models of the Mind, Information, and Empirical Science
• Professor Eric Jones at Regent University
• Contact Professor Eric Jones at ejones@regent.edu