Psychologically we create symbols out of our first experiences with the object. This can be hypothesized as evidence of a biological tendency to map patterns of behavior onto the physical brain. If we are taking real situations, and creating a repetitive process out of them (repetition compulsion, as theorized by Freud), then it would seem that the brain has a tendency toward creating patterns, and simultaneously has an interest in the recognition of pattern. In this sense, a developed brain can see a shark, for example, and rather than accepting it as merely a carnivorous animal, it's characteristics are recognized, and related to human characteristics. We can theorize that a person who has an obsession with carnivorous animals might also be interested in, or expressing his own internal aggression and "dangerous" behavior through this interest. This is how symbols are born.
"Indeed, the introjection of the "object" of the drive along with the sensations, affects, related to the gratification or to the frustration of the drive, are basic to continuity of interpersonal communication. As the continuity of object relationship is maintained, the memories of object relationship plus drive experience become stored as object representations and self-representations and become the nuclei of organization in the mental apparatus. The subject of identifcation becomes an extension of biological theory. ... Identifications constitute theoretical bridges between biology and personality and between personalities and social groups." (Grinker, 14), as quoted from Therese Benedek M.D. Parenthood as a Developmental Phase - A Contribution to the Libido Theory.
Thus, truth does not lie simply in philosophy, but is also biological. We cannot escape our biology, yet we can become aware of it, and becoming aware of our biological tendencies, are we then able to master them and forge ourselves as individuals, as well as our species, toward evolution.
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