HUMAN-AGGRESSION - THE ETIOLOGY OF INDIVIDUAL-DIFFERENCES

The prevailing theory concerning the etiology of human aggressiveness has profound implications for therapeutic intervention, social policy, and planetary survival. This article reviews the historical and conceptual development of theories of aggression, with particular emphasis on their relative support for either the biological or environmental causation of aggressive behavior. It is argued that theories supporting biological causation are excessively reductionistic and inadequate to account for human aggressiveness. It is further asserted that the umbrella or social learning theory-which allows for biological predisposition, social factors, and personal agency-provides the most comprehensive model for understanding and intervening in human aggression.