mechanical-man concept

the idea that human beings can be understood as living machines subject only to physical processes and not subject to nonphysical phenomena, such as consciousness. This is often cited as a model for the image of human beings proposed by behaviorism and similar deterministic and naturalistic theories. See also mechanical causality; mechanistic theory.

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Psychology term of the day

January 15th 2025

overcontrolled

adj. denoting behavior that is inhibited and constrained, often driven by shyness or fear of rejection. The word is typically used to describe the behavior of children thought to be at risk for depression, but it may also refer to similar behavior in adults.