Cook’s FSD Dysregulation: Functional system regulation using a spiritual growth-oriented learning model
Cook’s FSD Dysregulation: Functional system regulation using a spiritual growth-oriented learning model. Nurture Their Nature Newsletter. T. Cook, 2023 Feb. Part III.
For effective learning and communication, it is thought to occur when all of our systems and senses are functioning in a balanced and activated state [a]. The limbic system is responsible for emotions, motivation, and memory. The reptilian brain is responsible for instinctual and survival-based behaviors. The reptilian brain is responsible for regulating basic bodily functions such as breathing, heart rate, and body temperature. It is also responsible for instinctual and survival-based behaviors [8]. The limbic system is responsible for emotions, motivation, and memory. It includes structures such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and thalamus. The neocortex is responsible for higher cognitive functions such as perception, thought, and language. It is what sets humans apart from other animals and allows us to think abstractly and engage in complex social interactions [2].
Speaking of the limbic system is responsible for emotions, anger can lead to a range of negative consequences, both for the individual experiencing it and those around them [11]. Some short-term effects of anger related to the reptilian brain include increased heart rate, blood pressure, and stress hormones, which can lead to physical health problems such as heart disease, hypertension, and digestive issues. As well, for neocortex anger can also negatively affect relationships, leading to conflict, aggression, and social isolation. In the long-term, unresolved anger can lead to chronic resentment, bitterness, and emotional problems such as anxiety and depression [4].
It is important to approach the topic of well-being with an open and critical mind, and to seek out evidence-based approaches to promoting alternative health, well-being and emotions. A popular theory used to conceptualize brain functioning is the triune brain theory. The triune brain theory
is an evolutionary theory of brain development that emphasizes three key brain regions consisting of the brainstem, the limbic system, and the cortex that function relatively independently in coping with stress via fight or flight, emotion, and cognition, respectively. However, modern neuroscience research demonstrates that the triune brain theory does not accurately explain how the brain functions in everyday life or during the stress response [10].
Specifically, emotion and cognition are interdependent and work together, the limbic system is not a purely emotional center nor are there purely emotional circuits in the brain, and the cortex is not a purely cognitive center nor are there purely cognitive circuits in the brain. We propose a new evolutionarily based model, the adaptive brain, that is founded on adaptive prediction resulting from interdependent brain networks using interoception and exteroception to balance current needs, and the interconnections among homeostasis, allostasis, emotion, cognition, and strong social bonds in accomplishing adaptive goals [10].
Consciousness is not a process in the brain but a kind of behavior that, of course, is controlled by the brain like any other behavior. Human consciousness emerges on the interface between three components of animal behavior: communication, play, and the use of tools [10]. These three components interact on the basis of anticipatory behavioral control, which is common for all complex forms of animal life. All three do not exclusively distinguish our close relatives, i.e., primates, but are broadly presented among various species of mammals, birds, and even cephalopods; however, their particular combination in humans is unique [6].
The interaction between communication and play yields symbolic games, most importantly language; the interaction between symbols and tools results in human praxis. Taken together, this gives rise to a mechanism that allows a creature, instead of performing controlling actions overtly, to play forward the corresponding behavioral options in a second reality of objectively (by means of tools) grounded symbolic systems [6]. The theory possesses the following properties: (1) It is anti-reductionist and anti-eliminativist, and yet, human consciousness is considered as a purely natural (biological) phenomenon. (2) It avoids epiphenomenalism and indicates in which conditions human consciousness has evolutionary advantages, and in which it may even be disadvantageous. (3) It allows to easily explain the most typical features of consciousness, such as objectivity, seriality and limited resources, the relationship between consciousness and explicit memory, the feeling of conscious agency, etc. [6]. Note: Both of these thoughts are commonly used in psychology, theology, and philosophy in which a general sense of conscience underlies all of our experiences and perceptions, while our consciousness is a more focused consciousness that allows us to attend to specific objects or situations.
Cook’s Call For More Research
There needs to be more research: "Exploring how the concept of 'prudential personalism' can provide insights into the relationship between conscious memory and conscious agency, and understanding why this concept can help to further develop the concept of provisional thinking and prudence." [b]. Prudential personalism emphasizes the importance of making practical and wise decisions that take into account the unique needs and circumstances of the individual person, as well as the common good of society. For effective learning, it is thought to occur when all of our systems and senses are functioning in a balanced and activated state. Prudence, is known as “skillful understanding” or discernment. in the OT “prudence” is the tr of עָרְמָה, ‛ormāh (Prov 8:12); also in AV of שֶׂכֶל, sekhel (2 Ch 2:12, RV “discretion”); and “prudent” is the tr of עָרוּם, ‛ārūm, “subtle” (Prov 12:16, 23; 13:16, etc; cf Gen 3:1; Job 5:12), and of בִּין, bīn (1 S 16:18, RVm “skilful”; Prov 16:21; 18:15; Isa 5:21; 10:13, ARV “understanding,” etc); Personalism is a philosophical and ethical theory that emphasizes the intrinsic value and dignity of the human person. According to this theory, the ultimate goal or purpose of human life is the flourishing of the individual person, which involves developing one's capacities, pursuing one's interests and goals, and living in a community with others. This focus on the person as an individual and on the importance of community relationships is what gives personalism its name “prudential personalism” [1, 7].
From a biblical perspective, “prudential personalism” can draw on teachings and principles from the Old and New Testaments that emphasize the importance of “practical wisdom, compassion, and justice.” Prudential personalism says like anger, shame can be overcome, and that those who have experienced shame will ultimately receive joy and blessings. There are many theologians and believers who understand the creation story in Genesis as a literal account of how the world came into being. This view is often associated with a religious perspective that emphasizes the divine authority and inspiration of scripture. From this perspective, the opening phrase of Genesis, "bere'shith," is often interpreted as referring to a specific, absolute beginning of all time, including the creation of the universe and everything in it. However, there are also other interpretations of the phrase "bere'shith," which suggest a more symbolic or metaphorical reading of the creation story. Some scholars and theologians argue that the creation story in Genesis should be understood as a poetic and symbolic account of God's relationship to the world and humanity, rather than a literal description of historical events [5].
In these alternative interpretations, the phrase "bere'shith" may be understood as referring to a nonspecific, general beginning of God's work of creation “the consciousness”, rather than a specific and absolute beginning of all time. These interpretations often emphasize the spiritual and theological significance of the creation story, rather than its historical accuracy. Ultimately, the interpretation of the phrase "bere'shith" and the creation story in Genesis depends on one's religious or philosophical beliefs and interpretations. Different interpretations can coexist and be valid from different perspectives [3, 5].
Overall, prudential personalism can provide a valuable framework for understanding the relationship between consciousness, memory, and emotions, and for making practical and wise decisions that promote personal flourishing and the common good. The Bible teaches the importance of controlling one's anger and dealing with it in a healthy and constructive manner. It emphasizes the importance of positive behaviors such as patience, forgiveness, and love, and discourages negative behaviors such as impulsiveness, bitterness, and vengeance. In the New Testament, Jesus teaches about the importance of loving one's neighbor as oneself, and he demonstrates this love through his compassion and healing of those in need. The Apostle Paul also writes about the importance of using our gifts and abilities in service to others, and of treating others with kindness and respect. The Bible teaches that shame can be overcome through faith, trust in God, and positive actions. It emphasizes the importance of seeking God and his guidance in difficult times, and encourages believers to have confidence and hope in the face of shame or other challenges. These are just a few examples of the positive emotions mentioned in the Bible. There are many others, and the Bible encourages people to cultivate positive emotions as part of their relationship with God and with others.
One of the key features of prudential personalism is its rejection of total subjectivism, which is the idea that all truth and morality are purely subjective and vary from person to person. Personalists argue that there is an objective norm for human flourishing, which is grounded in the nature of the human person as a rational, social, and spiritual being. This norm provides a standard for evaluating actions and decisions, and for ensuring that individual flourishing is pursued in a way that is consistent with the common good [1, 7].
Personalism also recognizes the importance of spirituality and the supernatural dimension of human existence. For personalists, spiritual growth and development are essential aspects of human flourishing, and the pursuit of the good life involves a deepening relationship with God and others. This recognition of the importance of spirituality is why personalism emphasizes the need for excellent spiritual care and why personalists believe that not every means possible should be used to preserve physical life, if that means sacrificing spiritual well-being [1, 7].
The conscience is a key concept in “prudential personalism”, as it is viewed as the inner voice or feeling that guides individuals in determining the rightness or wrongness of their actions. Personalists believe that the Holy Spirit can guide and direct the conscience in specific situations, providing guidance, encouragement, and comfort that can enhance the learning process. Consciousness, on the other hand, can refer to either a general state of awareness or a specific, focused awareness of a particular thing or situation, which can also be directed and guided by the HolySpirit. With prudence, personalists believe that individuals can develop their conscience and consciousness in ways that promote their own flourishing and the common good [3, 5].
For more information: www.myelbert.com © 2018, In-Text Citation: [a] Cook T. Cook’s FSD Dysregulation: Functional System Regulation Using a Spiritual Growth-Oriented Learning Model; Feb; 2023; https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/cooks-fsd-dysregulation-functional-system-regulation-tricia-cook/
[b] N T Nature - Helping Those with a Neurodiversity Enjoy Learning Again (Updated) Part I. Scribd,https://www.scribd.com/document/579473335/N-T-Nature-Helping-Those-With-a-Neurodiversity-Enjoy-Learning-Again-Updated-Part-I-1; Methodology is shown in the outer columns, resultant data sets in the middle columns, and model systems in the center. © 2003 Nature Publishing Group.
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