Psychology doesn’t just live in the mind—it’s wired through the body. In this lesson, RJ Starr introduces the brain’s major structures, the nervous system, and the biology behind emotion, perception, and awareness. It’s a foundational look at how our physical systems shape the way we think, feel, and experience the world. Part of the free Introduction to Psychology course at profrjstarr.com.

Lesson 4 The Brain, the Body, and Consciousness

What makes us act, care, or even survive? In this lesson, RJ Starr examines the psychological forces behind emotion and motivation—exploring what drives human behavior, how we interpret feelings, and why purpose matters just as much as biology. This is where science meets meaning. Part of the free Introduction to Psychology course at profrjstarr.com.

Lesson 7 Emotion and Motivation – What Drives Us

We don’t just grow—we develop emotionally, cognitively, and socially across every stage of life. In this lesson, RJ Starr explores how humans change from infancy through old age, highlighting major theories, developmental milestones, and the deep interaction between nature and nurture. Part of the free Introduction to Psychology course at profrjstarr.com.

Lesson 8 Development Across the Lifespan

Why are some people so different from others—and what makes you uniquely you? In this lesson, RJ Starr explores the major theories of personality, the traits that shape our behavior, and the psychological tools we use to understand individual differences. Part of the free Introduction to Psychology course at profrjstarr.com.

Lesson 9 Personality and Individual Differences

Mental health isn’t just about diagnosis—it’s about being human. In this final lesson, RJ Starr explores psychological disorders, the line between normal struggle and clinical concern, and why compassion and clarity matter in how we understand emotional pain. Part of the free Introduction to Psychology course at profrjstarr.com.

Lesson 10 Mental Health and Human Struggle

This first lesson in the Kantian Existential Psychology series introduces students to the philosophical roots of autonomy, moral reasoning, and self-regulation. Drawing from Immanuel Kant’s Enlightenment-era philosophy, RJ Starr explores how Kant’s ideas around duty, the categorical imperative, and human dignity continue to shape modern psychological theory—from moral development to intrinsic motivation. Listeners will gain foundational insight into how rational autonomy connects to self-determination theory, ethical behavior, and the deeper questions of what it means to live with purpose and integrity.

Lesson 1 Kantian Foundations – Autonomy, Morality, and the Psychology of Duty

In Lesson 2 of “Introduction to Kantian Existential Psychology,” RJ Starr explores existential psychology’s focus on personal freedom, meaning-making, and authenticity. Building on Kant’s ideas of rational autonomy, this session examines how existential thinkers like Sartre, Kierkegaard, and Nietzsche redefined what it means to live responsibly in a world without inherent meaning. Through case examples, emotional insights, and therapeutic relevance, this lesson offers a rich look at how philosophy helps us navigate guilt, choice, identity, and the tension between freedom and fear.

Lesson 2 Existential Psychology-Freedom, Meaning, and Authenticity

In this lesson, Professor RJ Starr explores the powerful intersection between Kantian ethics and existential psychology. What happens when rational morality meets personal meaning? How do structure and subjectivity work together in shaping behavior, identity, and emotional growth? From autonomy to authenticity, this episode highlights how two distinct traditions converge to offer a richer understanding of human motivation and the ethical complexity of choice. Ideal for psychology students, clinicians, and anyone interested in how philosophy shapes the inner life.

Lesson 3 Where They Meet – Points of Convergence Between Kant and Existentialism

In this final lesson of our four-part series, we explore the philosophical tensions—and potential integrations—between Kant’s rational morality and the existentialist emphasis on personal meaning and freedom. While Kant offers a structured guide to ethics rooted in reason and duty, existentialism invites us into the messier terrain of lived experience, emotional complexity, and moral ambiguity. For psychology students and professionals alike, this lesson provides a rich framework for understanding how these traditions diverge—and how, together, they can form a more complete understanding of autonomy, decision-making, and psychological growth. We conclude with a synthesis: Kantian existentialism as a lens for therapeutic practice, moral development, and human well-being.

Lesson 4 Conflict and Integration – Divergences and the Modern Synthesis

Professor RJ Starr is an academic psychologist, educator, and author exploring the inner life through the lens of emotional intelligence, regulation, and self-awareness.
This SoundCloud page features original short-form audio recordings—thoughtful reflections designed to help listeners navigate their emotions, relationships, and personal growth with clarity and maturity.

To explore more of my work, visit https://profrjstarr.com

Lesson 4 The Brain, the Body, and Consciousness

Professor RJ Starr

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