Pavlov: Vivisectionist of the Mind

Abstract

Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936) experimentally demonstrated a conditioned reflex mediated in the brain, conditioned in the sense that it was learned and unconscious. This discovery was the unintended result of his medical research program directed at gastric functions. The discovery of the reflex, and the associated experimental methods, constitute a paradigm that had a major influence of experimental psychology during the 20th century. The history of Pavlov’s discoveries takes place at a complex intersection of scientific progress, at the confluence of biological science and the unintended consequences that some discoveries had on traditional cultural beliefs. The role that physiology plays in Pavlov’s story points to the age old and on going problem of the relationship between the mind and body. Pavlov’s discovery unintentionally threatened the traditional understanding of the mind-body relationship, specifically the beliefs about free will and unconscious motivation. Pavlov’s discovery fostered continuous research for over one hundred years to date. In the 21st century Pavlov’s methods may again prove useful for the emerging science of neurogastroenterology. Pavlov: viviseccionista de la mente