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1.5.1 Evolutionary and psychological perspectives on aggression
Lorenz (1966) suggested that aggression is a fundamental component of the
evolutionary process of all aiumals, and that human beings, like other species, are
bom with a predisposition toward violence. Lorenz saw aggression as a necessary
irmate instinct of being human, which is essential for human survival m competition
with other species for food and shelter. According to this view, aggression assists
human beings to respond effectively to external stimuli. As a source of energy, it is
spontaneously produced at a constant rate and is either released in response to some
external stimuli or is accumulated internally awaiting some future release. Aggressive
behaviour is more likely to occur if the accumulated energy is elevated and there is an
accompanying strong aggression-releasing stimulus. Lorenz suggested that in modem
human civilisation, the energy associated with aggressive instincts must be redirected
into more acceptable outlets, including sport and recreational activities.
In early writings, Freud (in Strachey, 1990) also viewed aggression as
instinctive behaviour that emerges from the life instinct (libido) whose energy is
directed toward the sustenance of life. Aggression arises because energy associated
with the libido becomes obstmcted or fiiistrated. In Freud's later writings, he
proposed the existence of a second instinct, Thanatos, the energy of which is directed
toward the destmction of human life (in Strachey, 1990). The two instincts were seen
as in a constant state of interaction and tension, forming a basis for all human
experience and behaviour. Freud hypothesised that the energy from the destmctive
instinct of Thanatos was often channelled away from the self, through mental defence
mechanisms such as displacement, on to extemal sources that are perceived to be
relatively non-threatening, giving rise to aggressive behaviour toward others.
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