Security and the Biology of Relationships: Polyvagal Theory

This article explores Stephen Porges's revolutionary polyvagal theory, which redefines the concept of safety as the biological foundation of human functioning. Instead of viewing humans as rational machines, the authors point to the profound embodiment of our social and defensive responses. The text examines how the state of the nervous system influences our ability to learn, empathize, and make decisions, shedding new light on trauma, education, and contemporary management systems. It is a call to consider biology in the construction of social relationships and institutions, while maintaining scientific integrity amid the ongoing debate over Porges's concept.