According to the perspective presented in the reference, the primary difference lies in their focus: physiology examines the body by dividing it into parts and analyzing their functions, while physiognomy views these parts together as a whole that influences an individual's actions.
Understanding Physiology
Based on the provided text, Physiology, from the viewpoint discussed by Cross, involves:
- Division of the Body: Breaking down the human body into its component organs.
- Classification by Function: Grouping or categorizing these organs based on the specific tasks or roles they perform within the body.
Essentially, this approach focuses on the parts of the body and what they do individually.
Understanding Physiognomy
In contrast, Physiognomy, as defined in the reference, centers on:
- Observation of Organs as a Unified Whole: Looking at the body's organs not in isolation, but as a single, integrated system.
- Effect on Individual Action: Examining how this unified whole impacts or influences the actions of a person.
This perspective emphasizes the entire system and its effect on behavior.
Key Distinction Summarized
The core difference, according to this specific perspective, is the level of analysis: physiology is analytical, breaking the body down into functional components, whereas physiognomy is holistic, observing the body's components as a unified entity that affects action.
Here is a comparison based on the reference:
| Concept | Focus (According to Cross) | Approach (According to Cross) |
|---|---|---|
| Physiology | Division of the body by its organs | Classifying organs based on their function. |
| Physiognomy | Observation of organs as a unified whole | Examining how this whole effects the action of an individual. |
This interpretation highlights that while both relate to the body and its parts, their analytical approaches and points of emphasis are distinct according to the provided text from "A science of mind? Theories of nature, theories of man".
