Dr. Eric Jones: The Case for a Relational View of Personhood
“No man is an island,” wrote poet John Donne in the 1600s, and these words still ring true today. However, much of our modern analysis and study of ourselves is turned entirely within. We focus on our needs, wants, and abilities rather than how we interact with others. How much does this individualistic view limit our ability to understand ourselves and those around us? Today, hosts Robert J. Marks and Brian Krouse welcome Dr. Eric Jones to the podcast to present the alternative, a case for the relational person. Professor Jones argues that the relational person, who is fundamentally interconnected with others, better explains social psychology research than the individualistic view. Key evidence includes the powerful influence of social connections and relationships on human development, well-being, and behavior. Jones contends that this relational ontology may align better with non-materialist philosophical frameworks. Overall, Jones makes a compelling case for reconsidering the prevailing understanding of the human person in light of the empirical data.
Additional Resources
- Minding the Brain: Models of the Mind, Information, and Empirical Science
- Professor Eric Jones at Regent University
