Psyche, 23, No. 1, 1969: ERHARD KNZLER (79 Ulm, Steinhövelstr. 9, Germany). Zwei Hypothesen über die Natur der frühkindlichen Sozialbeziehungen (Two hypotheses concerning the nature of early infantile social relations)

From among the psychoanalytical theories attempting to interpret the nature of the social

relationships in the infant during the first year of life, two are chosen for comparison as they are based on contrary positions. The first theory goes back to Freud; according to him early social contacts are derived patterns of behaviour. The second allots to these relationships a primary character. This latter opinion is advocated by Bowlby. A fundamental moment for the two opposing interpretations may be found in different theoretical preconceptions. A number of preliminary experiences that have entered into these hypotheses are discussed. A classification of the first contacts which the infant makes with the world around him is then attempted from an aetiological point of view, the underlying theoretical concepts of which have been elaborated in psychoanalysis and ethology. The smiling response which is generally taken as being one of the most important among the early social contacts takes a key position in the comparison of the two hypotheses in question. The discussion includes some aspects of the epistemological problems and general philosophy of science encountered in the study of behaviour and mental activity in the first year of life.