The subject of behavior and dynamics of its states

Introduction. The concept of a “subject of behavior” (SB) was formulated within the system-evolutionary theory in systemic psychophysiology. It is argued that the development of the concept of SB requires describing other components of this internally consistent theory. Theoretical review. This section reviews the theoretical and empirical grounds used by V.B. Shvyrkov to formulate the original foundations of the concepts of SB and “state of the subject of behavior” (SSB). SB is defined as the whole set of functional systems (elements of subjective experience) comprising memory. SSB is defined as a section of functional systems (part of the whole set) that are formed at different stages of individual development and simultaneously actualized in order to provide the deployment of a certain step of the behavioral continuum. Behavior is considered as the dynamics of SSBs, i.e. the transition from the state corresponding to one behavioral act of the continuum to the state corresponding to the next behavioral act. Results. This section reviews the results of theoretical and empirical development of the concepts of SB and SSB that was aimed to expand their factually supported meaning. This development has been implemented via the research paradigm of system psychophysiology representing a field of multidisciplinary studies focused on the mechanisms of formation and actualisation of experience in human and other animals during individual and collective behavior. I review neurogenetic bases of experience formation; dynamics of the formation of the structure of experience within a strategic game; variability of SSBs during consequent behaviors; the role of learning history during formation of the structure of experience; specific characteristics of various domains of experience; the unified theory of consciousness and emotion along with its implications; dynamics of SSBs underlying regression; properties of various forms of social interaction in individuals with holistic and analytical mentalities; the system mechanisms of moral judgement of actions; and results of mathematical modelling of SB formation. Conclusions. Results of the reviewed studies of SB and SSB demonstrate heuristic value of these concepts and their potential as methodological tools for coordinated development in various fields of psychology and neuroscience.