Biological Wisdom From Vertical and Horizontal Perspectives in Maslow’s “Toward a Humanistic Biology”

Abstract

Maslow’s usage of “good specimens” rhetoric and methods is examined as a vertical perspective emphasizing hierarchical differences between individuals at different levels of psychological development. Despite its strengths, a number of potentially problematic implications of this perspective are discussed. Maslow’s supplemental usage of horizontal perspectives emphasizing the commonalities of the growth process as they occur in all individuals is also highlighted and suggested as an alternative humanistic approach for the exploration of biological wisdom.