Psychology-related question

[LTD602]

Hi everyone:

In the STNG episode "Peak Performance" (with Kolrami, Riker commanding the Hathaway, etc.) there is a scene when Troi and Data are attempting to figure out Riker's strategy.

Here's the scene:

You're over-analyzing. Human
nature cannot be denied.
(a beat)
What kind of man is Commander
Riker?

DATA
He is a fighter.

TROI
Yes.

DATA
The weaker his position, the more
aggressive will be his posture.

TROI
And he won't give up.

DATA
Then despite whatever logical
choices he is offered, he must
be --

TROI
-- The man that he is. Yes.

DATA
Is that a failing in humans?

TROI
(rising)
You'll have to decide that for
yourself.

So . . . the conclusion is that Riker, no matter what, will always act as the man that he is. He'll always revert to his particular nature, that is already (pre)determined for any situatuon.

My question:

What psychological theory does this "he will act as the man that he is" idea conform to? Who illustrated this theory? Which philosopher, etc? Is it Aristotelian? Kantian? Nietzsche? Or is it a more modern idea?

I look forward to and appreciate any responses.

 

[Holdfast]

This is a philosophical question really, not a psychological one, though of course there's an overlap. Fortunately, I know a vague smattering of both... it's either basically an argument against free will, in favour of predeterminism (though couched in far weaker terms) or more generally an argument that man can only judge within what he knows already. The latter is certainly an Aristotlean concept (I think it appears in some variant in the Nicomachean Ethics, at least).

 

[CaptainStoner]

I just watched "The Galileo Seven" the other night, which explores this issue through Spock in a much more detailed way. I think philosophically, you might find some resonance in Tao or Zen, in Lao Tzu.
Spock has to act as a "man of logic" through the episode, despite the failing this straight course brings upon him. But, Spock is also a man who says "there are always alternatives". And, he is also part human. In the last instant, he has that human moment, which proves successful, despite his Vulcan side's repression of his more complete self.

 

[Vanyel]

It does sound like him. In one poker game we saw (BoBW 1) he bluffed Wesley into folding on a hand that stands a good chance of winning (3 jacks). Riker had nothing. So his position was weak and he acted aggressively.

I don't know what profile he fits, but Deanna and Data were right about him.

 

[LTD602]

Thank you for the replies!

It sounds Aristotelian. It's a bit clearer now. Might have to do with the nature of things, in Metaphysics, and I'll be sure to check the Nichomachean ethics.

Thank you, all!