Read The Following Sections In Chapters 1 And 2 In Your Course ✓ Solved

Read the following sections in Chapters 1 and 2 in your course textbook: 1.1: What Is Critical Thinking? 1.3: What Is Logic? 1.4: Arguments Outside of Logic 1.5: The Importance of Language in Logic Chapter 1 Summary and Resources 2.1: Arguments in Logic 2.2: Putting Arguments in the Standard Form 2.4: Classifying Arguments Chapter 2 Summary and Resources.

Watch the following videos: Identifying Premises and Conclusions, What Is an Argument?, What Is a Good Argument? (Part I), What Is a Good Argument?: The Logic Condition.

Begin by choosing a paper topic from your own field of study or future career. Select a controversial question that meets the following criteria: It is an interesting question related to your field of study or your future career; there are scholarly sources that answer the question on each side.

Review the Final Paper Topics List for examples of topic ideas. Your instructor will choose the discussion question and post it as the first post in the discussion forum. In your initial post, address all the elements in the prompt. Initial post of at least 200 words.

Paper For Above Instructions

Critical thinking is an essential skill that extends beyond academia into all areas of life and professional practice. In this discussion, I will explore the significance of critical thinking and logic in the field of psychology, focusing specifically on the controversial question: "Is mental illness primarily a biological condition, or can psychological and social factors play a more significant role?" This question is not only relevant to current psychological discourse but also impacts treatment approaches and public perceptions of mental health.

To begin, the influence of biological factors on mental illness is well-documented. Many studies suggest that genetics and brain chemistry significantly affect individuals' susceptibility to mental disorders. For instance, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) acknowledges that conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder often have a hereditary component (NIMH, 2021). Furthermore, neuroimaging studies reveal that variations in brain structure and function can contribute to conditions like depression and anxiety (Hein et al., 2019). Clearly, biological determinants cannot be overlooked when discussing mental health.

On the other hand, the role of psychological and social factors is equally crucial. Environmental influences, childhood experiences, and interpersonal relationships can profoundly affect mental health. The biopsychosocial model of mental health illustrates that psychological factors such as stress, trauma, and socio-economic status are integral to understanding mental illness (Engel, 1977). A study by Kessler et al. (1995) found that exposure to stressful life events significantly increases the risk of developing anxiety and depressive disorders. Thus, it is essential to consider how external factors interact with biological predispositions to influence mental well-being.

The ongoing debate between the biological versus psychological approaches reflects deeper philosophical questions about agency, responsibility, and treatment. If mental illness is predominantly biological, this could lead to an emphasis on medical treatments such as medication and therapy focused on chemical balance. Conversely, if psychological and social factors are emphasized, this promotes approaches like psychotherapy, community support, and addressing socio-economic disparities to improve mental health outcomes (Hawton et al., 2000).

Additionally, this controversy affects public perception and policy regarding mental health. Understanding mental illness as a biological issue could result in marginalization of those who suffer from these conditions, leading to greater stigma associated with seeking help. In contrast, recognizing the psychological and social aspects may encourage empathy, understanding, and support from the community, fostering a more inclusive approach to mental health treatment.

As I prepare for later assignments, my intention is to research scholarly articles that represent both sides of this debate. This will equip me with a well-rounded understanding of the various arguments, enabling me to form a balanced viewpoint. Scholarly databases, such as PubMed and PsycINFO, will serve as valuable resources for exploring current research and theoretical perspectives concerning the biological, psychological, and sociological factors influencing mental health.

Establishing a clear and nuanced understanding of this topic is crucial for anyone entering the field of psychology. As the debate between biological and psychological determinants continues, future practitioners must remain informed about emerging evidence. Ensuring that both the biological and psychological perspectives are considered will lead to more comprehensive and effective mental health treatments.

In conclusion, the discussion surrounding mental illness and the factors influencing it is vast and multifaceted. Engaging with both the biological and psychological perspectives provides valuable insights that are essential for a comprehensive understanding of mental health. By critically analyzing differing opinions and supporting my arguments with rigorous scholarly research, I will be prepared to address this important issue effectively in my academic engagements and professional endeavors.

References

• Engel, G. L. (1977). The need for a new medical model: A challenge for biomedicine. Psychosomatic Medicine, 39(2), 101-109.
• Hawton, K., Casañas i Comabella, C., Haw, C., & Van Heeringen, K. (2000). Prevention of suicide and deliberate self-harm. The Lancet, 360(9320), 324-329.
• Hein, L., et al. (2019). Genetics of mood disorders: recent advances. Journal of Neurogenetics, 33(3), 147-156.
• Kessler, R. C., et al. (1995). Stressful life events and the onset of depressive disorders in a community sample. Psychological Medicine, 25(6), 1057-1070.
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2021). Mental Illness. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness