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 30th 2025

electronarcosis

n. a form of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in which the amount of electricity, the duration of the shock, or both is sufficient to generate the tonic phase of a seizure but either limits or prevents the clonic phase. Electronarcosis is a generally less effective alternative to standard ECT and is more likely to cause side effects. The technique has also been used to induce relaxation and sleep. See electrosleep therapy.