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Too Hot To Handle: Global Warming (Sample Chapter)
Social & Environmental Justice
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Nov 232016
Brad Bowins
Nov 222016
By way of introduction to this cosmology site, I am Dr. Brad Bowins, a psychiatrist, researcher, and founder of the Centre For Theoretical Research In Psychiatry & Clinical Psychology (psychiatrytheory.com). You might well be wondering how my background relates to cosmology? There are three reasons:
The first part of this answer is that researchers interested in theory tend to be curious, and for me it is a driving force. Consistent with my nature, I am very curious about the nature of the cosmos (cosmology).
The second reason is that theoretical research requires a very broad knowledge base to produce theories having any reasonable likelihood of discovering the truth, the ultimate goal of science. A quick look at my peer-reviewed publications under Other Writings, demonstrates that my research is very diverse and cross-discipline, enabling the theories to represent a “best of fit” with the available information. This cross-discipline approach includes physics concepts, such as how entropy likely contributes to the decline of human specific cognition (negative symptoms) in schizophrenia and other severe mental illnesses. Hence, although I am not a physicist, I do have some familiarity with the fascinating concepts generated by this discipline.
The third reason is that in reviewing cosmology theories it became apparent that biological processes are completely ignored, often being viewed as a “fluke,” or even worse, “chemical scum.” My background in life sciences and research triggered the unique insight that the nature of biological systems, namely interconnectedness, interdependence, and symbiosis, actually reveals much about the nature of the cosmos. From this very different angle, the primary theory arose, followed by additional concepts (see the pdfs available below).
I fully acknowledge that the concepts are speculative, as with all other such theories. In addition to hoping that they are accurate revealing the true nature of the cosmos (what researcher does not?), it is my desire that they will encourage other theorists to appreciate the potential contribution of biological systems to cosmology, and also stimulate lively debate among the curious.
Brad Bowins, MD
Visit my Cosmology Website
Nov 222016
Support for psychiatry and clinical psychology theory development—Promoting the benefits of theoretical research, providing guidelines, and personalized assistance in developing theories (for psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, professionals in related disciplines, and trainees in these areas).
“There is nothing so practical as a good theory.” (Kurt Lewin). Good theory fosters very practical approaches to treatment.
According to Karl Menninger in Man Against Himself (1938) “A theory, even a false one, is better than to attribute events to pure chance. “Chance” explanations leave us in the dark; a theory will lead to confirmation or rejection.”
Good theory
- Brings creative intellectual processes to bear on major issues
- Facilitates shifts from fixated to more productive lines of enquiry
- Produces viable answers to complex questions
- Provides focus and direction
- Generates testable hypotheses
- Helps synthesis disparate data
- Creates a meaningful context for interpreting empirical findings
- In balance with empirical studies enhances true research outcomes
- Improves the conceptual understanding of statistics
- Fosters cross discipline knowledge often hampered by other research methods
Academic departments often favor empirical research over theoretical research. From issues of conflict of interest, researcher bias, patient selection criteria, statistical treatment of the data, slanted interpretation of the data, and under-reporting of negative results to mention a few concerns, so-called objective research is highly subjective. On the other hand theoretical research conducted with an open mind and spirit of curiosity adhering to rigorous guidelines can be relatively objective.
The take home message is that good theoretical research has value in psychiatry and clinical psychology, and at least as much as empirical research. Progress in science occurs with a balance of theoretical and empirical research, and in an ideal universe both exist in balance. Those conducting well grounded theoretical research in psychiatry, clinical psychology, and related disciplines are performing a very valuable function for the advancement of science and need to be fully aware of this reality. Actively resist internally and externally generated notions to the contrary. Believe in what you are doing!
Visit the
Centre For Theoretical Research In
Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology
Nov 222016
Travel for me is about discovering the world with a spirit of adventure. Discovery and adventure can take place half way around the world or close to home, as the articles reveal. They are designed to give you the reader a sense of my experience, and provide practical information such as how to plan out a trip and what might be expected. I attempt to present a balanced perspective on each destination to help readers make truly informed travel decisions.
Those who travel have an opportunity to witness first hand changes in the natural environment associated with climate change and pressure from the global economy. Communicating this information by word of mouth, writing letters to those who can influence change, and contributing to effective pro-environmental charities assist in preserving at risk destinations. With the aim of educating and encouraging action I present environmental problems in my articles whenever applicable, such as the demise of marine ecosystems and sharks that have largely remained hidden under the waves.
Visit the
Brad Bowins Travel And Photography Website
Nov 212016
Book page
Accurately defining mental illness is crucial for treatment providers and researchers, because it fosters a comprehensive understanding and optimizes therapeutic interventions. In addition, it frees psychopathology from political and financial influences that weaken its scientific integrity.
In combination, continuums, regulation, and defense, robustly define mental illness.
Continuums: Psychopathology embodied by major diagnostic systems (DSM and ICD) emphasizes discrete conditions, in line with our psychological preference for discreteness. However, nature almost universally gravitates to continuums. Naturally occurring mental illness continuums are identified, based on neuroscience and other relevant data.
Regulation: Despite how biological systems rely on regulation, it is largely neglected when it comes to mental illness. Psychopathology frequently arises from impaired regulation, fostering a shift from milder expressions on continuums to extreme manifestations. A diverse collection of therapeutic techniques, under the umbrella of cognitive regulatory control therapies, is presented that restore effective regulation.
Defense: The surprising role of psychological defense, understood in terms of compensation for stressors, is described for the various mental illness continuums, and techniques are provided to augment healthy defensive functioning.
The model of psychopathology proposed aligns with its natural organization, thereby placing mental illness on a more scientific foundation
Nov 202016
Book page
No aspect of who we are generates more inner confusion, turmoil, and misunderstanding than sexual orientation. In addition, discrimination and persecution based upon homosexuality, bisexuality, and transgender is still rampant. We all live with our sexual orientation but no one really understands it, warranting the question, what is it all about? A key to this mystery is the so-called evolutionary paradox of how behavior that does not lead to reproduction could ever have evolved. Current theories fail to explain this paradox. As a researcher with several game changing theories, founder of the Centre For Theoretical Research In Psychiatry & Clinical Psychology, and psychiatrist having treated many people suffering from sexual orientation issues, Dr Bowins solves this paradox, and outs the truth about sexual orientation. As it turns out, we all have the capacity and motivation for both homoerotic and heteroerotic behavior, with dimension activation, erotic fantasy, and social construction playing key roles in how sexual orientation is expressed. The enlightened perspective presented offers the hope of much less discrimination and real self-acceptance.
Nov 192016
Book page
Collectively we are engaging in self-destructive behavior, compromising our present and jeopardizing our future. Rampant greed, irregular regulation, unrestrained urban and resource development, out of control global warming, biased pharmaceutical and biotechnology research, and lethal levels of obesity, are all severely damaging us. Dr. Bowins drills down exposing these forms of self-destruction, and shows why we might be setting ourselves up for widespread revolution and devastation. Also revealed is how our psychological defenses ironically perpetuate major forms of self-destructive behavior. We have reached the tipping point, but the solutions proposed can save us from self-destruction, if we each take action.
Too Hot To Handle: Global Warming sample-chapter