58th Symposium on Family Theory and Family Psychotherapy - Saturday Afternoon

Includes the following presentations:

Family, the Brain, and Homo Sapiens - Robert J. Noone, Ph.D.

A question to be addressed is to what extent did the integration observable in the human family, along with an elaborate brain result in a new biological whole, a higher-level unit? And did the family/brain co-evolution provide the basis for the emergence of larger social systems and their expansion found in Homo sapiens?

The Honeybee: A Marvel of Group Adaptation- Kenton Derstine, MDiv, DMin

The honeybee, Apis Mellifera has demonstrated an efficiency of group adaptation to environmental challenges across its evolutionary history. The worldwide population of honeybees is under stress. Drawing upon systems thinking this presentation will explore the adaptive capacities of the honeybee for considering the promise and perils of its survival.

Discussion

Going Tribal - Anthony J. Wilgus, MSW

Evolutionary biologists describe how humans and their larger societies predictably organize themselves into ‘us’ and ‘them’ with all of the identifying markers that distinguish potential allies from foes. Consistent with the Bowen theory assumption that human life is guided by automatic forces rooted in evolution, biology does not necessarily determine destiny. Differentiation of self allows for a degree of flexibility in regulating these powerful processes.

The Nature of Anti-Semitism: Adaption or Aberration - Eileen Gottlieb, M.Ed

The understanding of family and society as natural systems and units of selection in nature is an important contribution to the study of anti-Semitism. Examining the part biology, evolution and societal emotional process play in this problem may provide options for managing that are less costly and more useful to both the Jewish community and society at large.

Discussion