Instinct in Man

THE following essay was originally submitted and approved as a thesis for the Doctorate in Philosophy of the University of Edinburgh. Certain slight changes chiefly in the direction of compressing the historical portions have since been introduced but nothing material has been either added or subtracted. . The essential portions of the essay are those represented by chapters v to xi. The short discussions of the ''Sentiments'' and the '' Appetites '' in chapters ix and xi were added mainly for the sake of completeness and in order to show the relation of the ''instincts'' to mental development and a developed mental life. Originally it was intended to treat this development more fully but considerations of space forbade and the discussions in question represent all that is left of that part of the original design. It was also intended to deal in some detail with the investigations and theories of Jung Freud and their followers at least in their educational bearings. Ultimately however it was decided to leave this topic for another occasion. Hence in the work which follows only the merest suggestions of the relations of these theories to some of the more important points in the discussion will be found. . The historical sketch of views on ''Instinct'' in modern times in chapters n and in is largely of the nature of an Introduction and its main purpose is to justify the general sense in which ''Instinct'' is used throughout. It is possibly too long for an Introduction as it is undoubtedly too short for a real history and no claim to originality of views or treatment is put forward. . Nevertheless it is no mere compilation. There has hitherto been no attempt so far as the writer knows to deal adequately with this part of the history of psychology. Hence though not claiming consideration as such a history this section of the essay may at least claim to indicate the main lines upon which a real historical discussion of Instinct must proceed. The object of the essay will explain the reason for the selection made as regards the works of the older psychologists to be specially emphasized. A fairly full account is given of one aspect of Malebranche''s psychology and from a point of view seldom previously taken up. There is no English translation of Malebranche''s Recherche de la Verite later than 1700. Consequently his psychology is almost unknown in England and seems to have been forgotten in France. This is we believe very unfortunate for Malebranche must take high rank as a psychologist. The controversies regarding ''instinct'' of the later 18th century and the older ''Vitalism'' have not been considered sufficiently important for our present-day discussions of Instinct to deserve more than passing mention.