Essay on The History of Psychology - 1423 Words

The History of Psychology In order to discuss Psychologys history, it is important to understand that psychology still does not have one unifying approach unlike the natural sciences; even the definition of Psychology and what it truly means is still undecided. However I shall attempt to review chronologically its philosophical origins, include how the science of Physics and Biology were placed in history and how they influenced research and determined the development of Psychology as its recognised today. Beginning with the philosophers Plato and Aristotle (between 428- 347) in ancient Greece, they began to ask†¦show more content†¦For example, the taste of lemonade (perception) to be a molecule of conscious experience could be analyzed in terms of elements (sensations) i.e. sweet, sour, cold, warm, bitter, and how it was identified by introspection (observation). Wundt’s structuralism was quickly abandoned because it could not be empirically or scientifically tested, it was also criticised for favouring deterministic structural forces over the ability of individual people to act refusing the suggestion of freewill. But at the end of the 19th century and lasting only 25 years Structuralism was still seen as a historically important school of thought and it was the movements that it developed, rather than structuralism itself that pushed forward the progress of psychology Functionalism as a psychology developed from the philosophy of Pragmatism (practical, matter-of-fact way of approaching or assessing situations or of solving problems). William James (1842-1910) laid the foundations with the publication of â€Å"Principles of Psychology† a book that gave Psychology its distinction and it’s well used definition â€Å"the science of mental life† for its study. He introduced a methodology for the inclusion of conscious mental processes and believed consciousness to be the primary object of psychologyShow MoreRelatedHistory of Psychology753 Words   |  4 PagesHistory of Psychology History of Psychology Paper Shirley L Nieves October 21, 2013 PSY/310 Prof. Kelle Daniels The roots of psychology date back to Egypt and the Egyptian mystery system. Psychology has evolved from philosophy, medicine, theology, and science. Psychology evolved out of coalescence of natural science, and also the branch of philosophy which is known as epistemology, which is also known in the theory of knowledgeRead MoreHistory of Psychology852 Words   |  4 PagesWhat is Psychology? Psychology is said to be the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. The study of human behavior, development, and learning; and also seeks to understand and explain thought, emotion, and behavior. Today the question we are doing falls under the History of Psychology. It deals with the earlier schools (Structuralism and Functionalism) and compares them with the most recent schools of psychology (Gestalt psychology, Psychoanalysis and CognitiveRead MoreThe History of Psychology2719 Words   |  11 PagesIntroduction: The History of Psychology Philosophical Background Psychology has no definite, absolute beginning, but there is speculation that early humans were curious about human nature. Serious study of the human psyche began in ancient times, with ancient philosophers began to record their findings and thoughts about behavior and the nature of the human mind. The name ‘psychology is from the two Greek roots, psyche and logos, which mean mind and study, respectively. Psychological thoughtRead MoreHistory of Modern Psychology836 Words   |  4 PagesA History of Modern Psychology Franklyn Rivas UOPX History and Systems in Psychology 310 Lillian Fillpot May 03, 2011 A History of Modern Psychology Before psychology officially became a science, many great intellectuals of previous centuries had contributed to the philosophy behind psychology. This philosophy can be trace back to the times of the Greeks, middle ages, and the renaissance period. However, the link between philosophy and modern psychology became possible in the late 18thRead MoreHistory of Psychology Paper1294 Words   |  6 PagesHistory of Psychology Paper Jessica PSY/310 May 3, 2010 CERTIFICATE OF ORIGINALITY: I certify that the attached paper, which was produced for the class identified above, is my original work and has not previously been submitted by me or by anyone else for any class. I further declare that I have cited all sources from which I used language, ideas and information, whether quoted verbatim or paraphrased, and that any and all assistance of any kind, which I received while producing this paperRead MoreHistory of Cognitive Psychology1666 Words   |  7 PagesAbstract An analysis of the history of cognitive psychology. Including key ideas, contributors, trends, etc. History of Cognitive Psychology According to G. Miller of Princeton University, cognitive psychology  is an approach to psychology that emphasizes internal mental processes. So, â€Å"since the beginning of experimental psychology in the nineteenth century, there had been interest in the study of higher mental processes. But something discontinuous happened in the late 1950s, something soRead MoreHistory And Systems Of Psychology1795 Words   |  8 Pages History and Systems of Psychology is a course requirement offered to Psychology majors and minors. This course is used to provide majors and minors with the foundation and the evolution of the field of psychology. Within this class, many scholars of discussed. Two scholars that stood out to me in this course would be John Watson and Max Wertheimer. These two particular scholars are responsible for two of the most influential and famous schools of thought, behaviorism and Gestalt psychology. TheseRead MoreThe History Of Social Psychology2266 Words   |  10 PagesThe history of social psychology goes far back in time. â€Å"Aristotle believed that humans were naturally sociable, a necessity which allows us to live together.† (McLeod) Plato was also another influencer in social psychology by saying that â€Å"the state controlled by the individual and encouraged social responsibility through social context. (McLeod) Social psychology is the section of psychology that studies i ndividuals in a social environment. It studies how people think and how they feel, and whyRead MoreHistory And Systems Of Psychology3029 Words   |  13 Pages SOUTHWESTERN ASSEMBLIES OF GOD UNIVERSITY History and Systems of Psychology Psy 4113.00 Instructor: Dr. John Savell History and Systems of Psychology School of Thought Research Paper STUDENT DATA: Name Lauren Frost E-mail: laurenbfrost@lionmail.sagu.edu Phone: (318)372-3825 Semester: Fall 2014 Date: October 8, 2014 Psychoanalysis Psychoanalysis is the belief that we are blissfully unaware of circumstances that dictate ones emotions and behavior. Psychoanalytic school of thought looksRead More History of Psychology Essay2242 Words   |  9 Pagesback when he got older and castrated his father. He feared the same thing like his father did and so he swallowed his children. His wife managed to save one of the children namely Zeus and sent him to be brought up by the shepherds. As we all know history repeats itself, Zeus came back and gave his father a potion to vomit the rest of the children and then castrated him. He also managed to release his father’s brothers. Psychologically if a father eats his children, it’s a metaphor for a father who