Students should focus on psychodynamic theory (Freud), lectures 5,6 and 7 below (Module 2) which provide insight into the roles of the unconscious and the ways in which a person develops the ability to adapt to various demands and the theory of infant attachment (Bowlby and Ainsworth.) You will find these below in Module 3 resources. Lectures 12, 13 , 14 and 15 which explains both early attachments and the development of close relationships throughout the life span. Students who are parents or interested in child care or those working in this area should enjoy listening to all of Professor Watson’s lectures at their leisure.
You will find 12 audio lectures here on the theories of development and in the resources on Module 3 you will find the continuing 12 lectures.
It is difficult to comprehend human nature without understanding our origins and the processes that guide our development from conception to maturity. Thus, the study of human development is a valuable tool, not only for understanding children and helping them to develop optimally but also for understanding ourselves as adults.
The key to gaining insights into the phenomena of human development is to organise facts and data into coherent, scientific theories. Without such theories, scientists, including developmental psychologists and other students of human development, would make little progress in devising meaningful studies that further our understanding or in applying what we know in a way to benefit others. These lectures compare the historical and philosophical backgrounds from which each theorist emerged and the domains of development that each theory can explain.
By examining the important points of each of the theories, the lectures help the student to compare them and see how they differ, where they converge, and how they complement one another to explain universal patterns of human development, individual differences, and abnormal development. Real-life examples and findings of major scientific studies are used to clarify the main points of the theories. In the end, the student will be prepared to judge which theories are valid and how each theory is valuable in giving us understanding of children and developmental processes.
The first lecture provides an introductory background for the study of the six theories and discusses the value of scientific theories generally.
Lecture Two begins a discussion of the history that set the stage for the systematic study of child development. It covers the early history of conceptions of children before any scientific study of them existed.
Lecture Three compares two major worldviews of human nature and development, as seen in the thinking of two influential philosophers, Locke and Rousseau. Lecture Four concludes the history of child study and the ways in which the major theories emerged.
The subsequent lectures discuss each of the six theories in turn.
Lectures Five through Seven discuss Freud’s psychodynamic theory as it applies to child development, particularly to personality development. These lectures provide insight into the roles of the unconscious, competing drives, and the ways in which a person develops the ability to adapt to various demands from within and from the environment.
Lectures Eight through Eleven discuss Erikson’s Psycho-social theory and how it developed from Freud’s influence to become the first theory to describe development across the entire life span.
Murgatroyd, Chris, and Dietmar Spengler. “Epigenetics of Early Child Development.” Frontiers in Psychiatry, vol. 2, 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3102328/, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2011.00016. Accessed 16 July 2019.
Influential theorists and psychologists have written about spirituality: Carl Jung, Thomas Moore, Abraham Maslow, Viktor Frankl, Roberto Assagioli.
This documentary serves as an accessible introduction to Jung's complex ideas, making them relatable to a broad audience. It underscores the enduring relevance of his work in understanding human behaviour. It delves into the life and pioneering psychological theories of Carl Gustav Jung, highlighting his significant departure from Sigmund Freud's perspectives and his profound influence on modern understandings of personality and the unconscious mind. `it illustrates how Jung's theories emerged from his personal experiences and extensive research. It emphasises his belief in the importance of self-awareness and the journey toward personal wholeness, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own paths to self-discovery.
Jung emphasised individuation, the lifelong process of integrating unconscious material into consciousness to achieve psychological wholeness. Repression of these unconscious contents can lead to inner conflict or neurosis. Through dreams, symbols, and self-reflection, individuals awaken to their fuller selves. Jung’s work bridges psychology and spirituality, encouraging deep inner exploration and the pursuit of meaning. Unlike Freud, Jung emphasised that what’s repressed isn’t only sexual or aggressive but it can include creative potential, spiritual insight, or aspects of identity that don’t align with the Persona.
The video explores the psychological aftermath of spiritual awakening, drawing on Carl Jung's concepts. It explains that post-awakening, individuals often experience a loss of motivation and purpose. This occurs because the ego, which previously drove one's ambitions and desires, has been transcended or diminished during the awakening process. As a result, former goals and external validations lose their appeal, leading to feelings of emptiness or aimlessness.
Jung's theory suggests that this phase is a natural part of individuation—the process of integrating the conscious and unconscious aspects of the psyche. The video emphasises that embracing this period of low motivation is crucial for deeper self-integration and personal growth. It encourages viewers to find new meaning and purpose that align with their awakened state, rather than reverting to old patterns driven by the ego.
Overall, the video offers insights into navigating the challenging transition after spiritual awakening, highlighting the importance of patience and self-compassion during this transformative period.
Roberto Assagioli's Psychosynthesis is a holistic psychological approach that integrates the personal and spiritual dimensions of the self. Unlike traditional psychoanalysis, which focuses on pathology, Psychosynthesis emphasises personal growth, creativity, and the realisation of one’s Higher Self. Assagioli viewed the psyche as structured around multiple subpersonalities, guided by a unifying center of consciousness. His model includes stages of personal development, self-awareness, and spiritual awakening. Central to his theory is the "I" (personal self) and the (transpersonal or spiritual Self), with will as a key agent for synthesis. Psychosynthesis aims to harmonise all aspects of the individual for inner unity and purpose.
Viktor Frankl, founder of Logotherapy, believed that the primary human drive is not pleasure or power, but the pursuit of meaning. Based on his experiences as a Holocaust survivor, Frankl asserted that even in the most horrific circumstances, individuals can find purpose. Logotherapy posits that suffering becomes bearable when it has meaning, and people are free to choose their attitude in any given situation. Frankl emphasized responsibility, self-transcendence, and spiritual freedom as essential to mental well-being. His work bridges psychology and existential philosophy, offering a hopeful perspective that meaning can be found in work, love, and even unavoidable suffering.
Thomas Moore is a psychotherapist and author best known for his book Care of the Soul, in which he blends depth psychology, mythology, and spirituality. Moore emphasises the importance of nurturing the soul through everyday life, relationships, creativity, and a deep engagement with beauty and mystery. Drawing from Jungian psychology and classical philosophy, he argues that psychological well-being comes not from fixing problems, but from embracing the richness of life, including its sorrow and ambiguity. Moore’s work encourages a soulful approach to modern life—where meaning, ritual, and imagination play a central role in personal growth and emotional depth.
Abraham Maslow was a pioneering psychologist best known for developing the hierarchy of needs, a model that outlines human motivation. At its base are physiological and safety needs, followed by love, esteem, and culminating in self-actualisation—the realization of one’s fullest potential. Later in his career, Maslow introduced the concept of self-transcendence, which involves connecting to something greater than oneself, such as spirituality or altruism. Maslow’s humanistic approach emphasized positive human qualities, growth, and fulfillment rather than pathology. His work laid the foundation for positive psychology and continues to influence both psychological theory and holistic approaches to personal development.
Digital Minds, Human Values
Students will reflect on the impact of AI on human interaction, identity formation, inequality, and cultural transmission.
The UNESCO "Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence" is the first global, comprehensive framework for the ethical development and use of artificial intelligence (AI). It was adopted unanimously by all 193 UNESCO member states in November 2021, marking a major international step in setting ethical standards for AI that respect human rights, sustainability, and inclusion.Why It’s Important Globally
1. First Universal StandardIt provides a global moral foundation that aligns with different cultures, legal systems, and levels of development.
2. Supports Ethical Socialisation.
Like the Vatican’s Antiqua et Nova, it acknowledges how AI influences norms, identity, and social behavior—and seeks to guide that influence ethically.
3. Guides LegislationIt’s already influencing national laws, corporate policies, and educational programs.
4. Focus on Developing Countries
Aims to prevent an ethical and technological "AI divide" between rich and poor nations.
"Antiqua et Nova" (Latin for "Old and New") is the Vatican’s ethical and philosophical approach to artificial intelligence (AI)
Why It’s Important to the World and All Religions