...The History of Modern Psychology PSY/310 Psychology is not something that came about over night. Through the years and centuries psychology has grown from simple ideals of philosophers into its own kind of science. There are not a lot of people who know very much about when psychology and philosophy first came together, which was during this century, “a period that to a large extent defined the philosophical-methodological distinctiveness of our psychological science in comparison to world psychology” (Abul'khanova & Slavskaia, 2007,p. 1). This paper will look at the early philosophers and the beginning of psychology. I will also research psychology and its development into a real science. One of the early philosophers was Plato, “Plato is one of the founding fathers of philosophy and has had a massive impact on the history of western thought” (In Great Thinkers A-Z, 2004, p. 1). Another early philosopher was Descartes, he believed that by using your own abilities to reason then the truth will come out (Goodwin, 2008). “Descartes identified the ‘thinking thing’ or mind, with the human soul or consciousness; the body, though somehow interacting with the soul, was a physical machine, secondary to, and in principle separable from, the soul” (The Hutchinson Unabridged Encyclopedia with Atlas and Weather Guide, 2009, p. 1). For centuries philosophers and psychologist have tried to figure out what the connection between the mind and body is and they...
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...History of Modern Psychology The roots of early Philosophy are the initial study of understanding; it is therefore the core of Psychology, which is used to motivate an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and actions to understand behavior. Philosophy relates to how an individuals experiences through understanding with no emotions. Therefore, one understands of how both philosophy and psychology can correlate with each other, even though they are both very different, the foundation was laid for further development of modern psychology today (Kowalski & Westen, 2005). Psychology has a long past, short history (Hermann Ebbinghaus, 1908). Hermann Ebbinghaus was noted for his slogan, and the first person to study memory through experimenting. Which brings us to psychology in its infancy, and the development of this science can be contributed to many philosophers as far back as the 18th century, and forward into the 19th century. Featuring, German experialmentalist Gustav, and Fechner 1801-1807, and Hermann von Helmholtz 1821-1894 all were apart of the growing developments of what Philosophy would become (Garth Kemerling, 2002). The American Psychological Association was founded by G. Stanley Hall in 1892. The Principles of Psychology, one of the most important texts in Psychology was written by William James, who would later determine functionalism. Rene Descartes and John Locke are two of the greatest philosophers known for teaching many about psychology today (Wade Pickerin...
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...fascination with themselves and each other has led to various theories. Most important the fascination with human nature has led to the development of the science of psychology. Psychology’s answer to man’s fascination and wondering has come about through the roots in other discipline; disciplines such as philosophy, biology, and physiology. This led to a science that aims to describe and explain how human thinks, how human feel, and how human acts. Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. The science of psychology has a history that goes back to ancient past. Back to the time of Plato and Aristotle but began to flourish and take shape in the 1600’s. For one to have an appreciation for this science he or she must consider the root and various perspectives of psychology. Modern psychology has come a long way since Rene Descartes and john Locke in the 16th century. The science of psychology began to flourish in the 1600’s with philosophers Descartes and Locke contributing significant theories on human behavior, impacting the rise of modern psychology. “As a science psychology evaluates competing ideas with careful observations and vigorous analysis” (Myers, 2007. p. 2). Rene Descartes was a French philosopher and mathematician who became influential and well-known in the field of psychology. He is the father of the mind-body interaction also known as the dualism theory. According to the dualism theory the mind and body are separate entities working...
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...A History of Modern Psychology University of Phoenix Flaur Conde Psy 310 The History of Psychology is something that is important to many psychologists everywhere. The history is celebrated by many centennial celebrations that started in 1979 (Goodwin, 2008, pg. 2). In the 1960’s when the history of psychology caught interest research of psychology’s past became prominent (Goodwin, 2008, pg. 2). History is important, because it lets people know where they came from, and what mistakes were made, and what discoveries were made, and how we can apply the past to future learning (Goodwin, 2008, pg. 3). One of the forerunners to the beginning philosophy to psychology is Rene Descartes. The Renaissance gave him a great stage to start with, because it had already started the changing of thought, made science more accepted, and made the approved teachings of the church mundane. Descartes wanted to search for a system where all information could be united (Goodwin, 2008, pg. 32). He believed that knowledge can be found through reasoning, and wouldn’t accept any truth unless it could not be doubted (Goodwin, 2008, pg. 32). In the Discourse on Method, Descartes explained his four rules for being able to reason so one could come up with the truth (Goodwin, 2008, pg. 33). The first one is what I stated previously is he would accept information as truth unless it was un-doubtable. The second rule he would take information and break it down to the first stages. The third rule is that...
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...Modern Psychology reflects the discipline’s diverse history; the formation of psychology differs dramatically from modern-day conceptions of the field of study. To acquire a complete grasp of psychology, it is important to spend more time exploring the history and origins of this particular study in science. In this particular paper, the main concepts that is being explored is philosophers that historically relate to the beginnings of psychology as a formal discipline, major philosophers in the western tradition that were primary contributors to the formation of psychology as a discipline, and the development of the science of psychology during the 19th century. History of Psychology Psychology was not well known as a separate discipline until the late 1800’s, its initial history can be traced back to the era of the early Greeks. All throughout the 17th century, Rena Descartes, a French philosopher, introduced the first idea of dualism, which is the explanation that the mind and body are separate parts that work together to create the human experience. “Many other issues still debated by psychologists today, such as relative contributions of nature vs. nurture are rooted in these early philosophical traditions” (Citizendium, 2010). Psychology has been often mistakenly viewed as a young discipline, in all actuality Psychology has roots extending from ancient Greece. The father of psychology is known as Aristotle, he wrote his thesis “ De Anima, Parva Naturalia approximately...
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...Number ORG7509 Course Name History and Systems of Psychology By Jim Root Colorado Springs, Colorado August 2012 Abstract The pre-modern, modern, and post-modern time periods are defined The major theories in the history of psychology and their principles are explained. The history of diversity issues and how they have been addressed are explained. The impact of a psychological theory on the writer’s chosen career path is explained. This paper looks to illustrate the process in which psychology has taken over the years. Starting with the early days in which psychology was part of a philosophical beginning and moving into the modern day applications. This paper looks to identify the historical events in which psychology has progressed. Psychology has adapted to society and progressed with the changing diversity of society. Finally, this paper will illustrate the full circle in which psychology has come and a look into the future in which psychology may go. Pre-Modern Psychology Psychology dates back to the early days of ancient Greece and Egypt. Up until the 1870’s psychology was considered to be part of the world of philosophy. Psychology became an independent study or scientific method or discipline in both Germany and the Unites States in the late 1800’s. Psychology encompasses various fields including neuroscience, physiology, artificial intelligence, anthropology and sociology. Within these fields psychology can and does also encompass...
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...History of Psychology PSY/310 April 11, 2011 Jane Northrup History of Psychology As stated by Herman Ebbinghaus; “Psychology has a long past” (Goodwin, 2008). Although there is not much history on the actual science of psychology philosophers have long been asking questions pertaining to human behavior. Questions about humans and human behavior date back to the times of ancient Greek philosophers. A few philosophers who made great contributions are; Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and Descartes. Many believe that Aristotle may have contributed more to prescience psychology than any other individual. Aristotle was the first to believe in the importance of empirical observations. Observation is something that is widely used today in research and by many individuals in the field of psychology. He was also a great contributor to defining intellect and obtaining knowledge. (Daniels, 1997). Socrates believed that the goal of life was knowledge. Much of his knowledge was gained through questioning other philosophies. His biggest focus was on the problems related to human existence therefore he is thought of by some as the first existential philosopher. (Daniels, 1997). He was also the first to speak of the word “psyche” which he defined as ones type of intelligence and personality. (Daniels, 1997). Socrates had great influence on Plato. Plato was a rationalist who’s ideas led Freud and Marx to call their beliefs “scientific”. He also influenced many researchers...
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...Nissa Lewis William Carey University Contemporary Psychology 2 Abstract The definition of psychology has changed as the focus of psychology has changed. At various Times in history, psychology has been defined as the study of the psyche or the mind, of the Spirit, of consciousness, and more recently as the study of, or the science of, behavior. Perhaps, Then, we can arrive at and acceptable definition of modern psychology by observing the activities Of contemporary psychologist. These are just a few of the activities that engage contemporary psychologists. Clearly, no single definition of psychology can take into consideration the wide variety of activities engaged in by the more than 148,000 members and affiliates of the American Psychological Association, not to mention the many other psychologists around the world. Contemporary Psychology 3 Introduction to Contemporary Psychology The definition of psychology has changed as the focus of psychology has changed. At various times in history, psychology has been defined as the study of the psyche or the mind, of the spirit, of consciousness, and more recently as the study of, or the science of, behavior. Perhaps, then, we can arrive at and acceptable definition of modern psychology by observing the activities of contemporary psychologist. These are...
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...History and Systems of Psychology History and Systems of Psychology The beginnings of Psychology seem to be up for debate. This is because it started off as as a totally different discipline. Philosophy is the true origin of Pyschology. In this paper these origins will be discussed along with the ideas, and systems that were put into play to allow Psychology to become its very own discipline. Psychology seems to be one of the oldest fields of science, and at the same time one of the youngest. This is because the main study of Psychology which is the mind, can be linked all the way back to Greek Philosophers of the 5th century B.C. People who view Psychology from this view see it as ancient. At the same time with the emergence of modern science, Psychologist began to use these new tools in Physical and Natural Sciences to take a more in depth and practical look at human behavior. People who take the latter into account view it as a very, very modern science. The first to delve into Psychology were the Ancient Greek Philosophers. These philosophers of the Old World stated that everything should be questioned. Socrates believed that the only thing he knows, is that he knows nothing. Being one of the first of the early philosophers to question everything including himself. He also believes what many Psychologist do today, that many people do bad things out of ignorance of knowing the bad that they are doing. Plato believed that humans are a body, which is material and mortal...
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...A History of Modern Psychology Why is the understanding the history of psychology important? A psychologist and historian (E.G. Boring, 1963) once said, “The seats on the train of progress all face backwards: You can see the past but only guess about the future. Yet a knowledge of history, although it can never be complete and fails miserably to foretell the future, has a huge capacity for adding significance to the understanding of the present” (see chapter 1). Every course that you have taken on history has shown that we never learn anything from our past mistakes, and that looking back cannot guarantee our future in setting stone. But psychology is important to learn because it teaches us a few things: one, it would help psychologist become more critical thinker and be able to help people better, and can help measure those “evolutionary breakthroughs” because of the initial excitement that usually comes with the beginning of anything. Two, it could bring every psychologist closer together because of so many diverse field, we share a common ground. Psychology history does not date back far; in fact many would claim to say that it is in childhood stage for it is no older than 125 years (see Chapter 1). Robert I. Watson was a clinical psychologist with a passion for history, created an organization by calling psychologist from an article he wrote,” History of Psychology: A Neglected Area” (Watson, 1960). Watson found people with similar goal from the American Psychological...
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...History of Psychology Danielle Shank PSY/310 February 18, 2013 Kelle Daniels History of Psychology To understand psychology today, one must understand the past of psychology. Rene’ Descartes believes a person’s mind to have an ability to reason and the body to be a machine. However, John Locke believed a person’s mind to be a clean slate and it is filled from experiences. These are two amazing theories about the mind and body. However, if all of the theories were to be discussed this would not be an essay; this would be a book series. Psychology dates back to the 1900’s but the true history goes back to the Greek philosophers or even farther to the 17th century B.C. with Psamtik 1 (King of Egypt). He believed the Egyptians were the oldest race and was curious about how. The foundation of psychology starts with philosophy and medicine than later becomes its own category of psychology. Psychology gets broken down into smaller parts. This paper will go over different philosophers of the past that brought the start of psychology and then a man who was in the 19th century of psychology. Philosophers That Began Psychology Hermann Ebbinghaus states in his textbook called “Psychology An Elementary textbook”, “Psychology has a long past, yet its real history is very short” (Ebbinghaus, 1908, p. 3). When this statement is broken...
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...The History of Psychology Debi Pierce PSY310 February 13, 2012 Sharon Cohen The History of Psychology The study of psychology dates back as far as the Greek Gods and continues for centuries, which followed into present day. Many scientists, physiologists as well as psychologists are mentioned and play a role with the discussions, theories, and discoveries in which we have reached modern day psychology. At the beginning of the twentieth century, Hermann Ebbinghaus (1850-1909), a German psychologist, claimed that there is a long past when it comes to psychology but the history of psychology is short. Ultimately, he made this claim based on findings and theories that dated back to the Greeks, but the scientific portions of psychology were closer to the start of the twentieth century and continued to grow. Ebbinghaus was strongly influenced by such psychologists as Fechner and Helmholtz during his years at University of Bonn where he received his doctor of psychology in 1983 at only 23 years of age. He continued with his love and commitment to psychology at the University of Berlin. The many years spent studying, researching and training in the discipline of psychology eventually led him to be known as “the pioneer of memory research” (Fuchs, 1997). Afterwards, in the United States, college students were becoming aware of what has been termed as the “new” psychology shortly after 1870. This following had been led by Harvard University professor William James. James brought...
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...The History of Psychology Debi Pierce PSY310 February 13, 2012 Sharon Cohen The History of Psychology The study of psychology dates back as far as the Greek Gods and continues for centuries, which followed into present day. Many scientists, physiologists as well as psychologists are mentioned and play a role with the discussions, theories, and discoveries in which we have reached modern day psychology. At the beginning of the twentieth century, Hermann Ebbinghaus (1850-1909), a German psychologist, claimed that there is a long past when it comes to psychology but the history of psychology is short. Ultimately, he made this claim based on findings and theories that dated back to the Greeks, but the scientific portions of psychology were closer to the start of the twentieth century and continued to grow. Ebbinghaus was strongly influenced by such psychologists as Fechner and Helmholtz during his years at University of Bonn where he received his doctor of psychology in 1983 at only 23 years of age. He continued with his love and commitment to psychology at the University of Berlin. The many years spent studying, researching and training in the discipline of psychology eventually led him to be known as “the pioneer of memory research” (Fuchs, 1997). Afterwards, in the United States, college students were becoming aware of what has been termed as the “new” psychology shortly after 1870. This following had been led by Harvard University professor William James. James brought...
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...Examination of Clinical Psychology Clinical psychology has an important history in psychology. The history begins with early Greek Philosophers, Sigmund Freud, and continues in modern psychology. Clinical psychology is deprived from philosophy, science, and many other realms. The scientific aspect of clinical psychology continues to alter and evolve leaving clinical psychology evolving as well. There are clear distinctions between clinical psychology and other disciplines, but they all have the same goal of helping individuals. History of Clinical Psychology There are many aspects and events that lead to the progression of clinical psychology. In earlier times the Greeks realized that the mind and body both influence relationships on individuals dealing with illnesses. Plato, Hippocrates, and Aristotle grew upon this theory. They believed that an individuals body was incontrol by his or her soul, and that illness were caused from problems within the soul (Plante, 2011). The middle ages focused that physical and mental issues meant that the individuals had issues of the soul. The Renaissance period brought upon the scientific approach, that scientific experimentation and observation were evident rather than what was thought to be from spiritual thoughts (Plante, 2011). Sigmund Freud had an increase understanding of the mind and body connection. Freud believed that the unconscious mind had an influence on the individual’s wellbeing (Parsons, 1958). Freud’s theories and his...
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...Curiosity certainly rises when an individual thinks of human behavior and how and why that certain behavior was ever first performed. When this curiosity happens most individuals don’t realize that they really just defined psychology by that one little thought. One definition of Psychology is the study of mental and behavioral process in a scientific way. This study of psychology can be traced back to when philosophy was just the main school of thought. Within that time frame the human behavior was interpreted but never truly acknowledged until scientific experiments came into play. Several important and significant figures are responsible for the first history of the study of psychology and how psychology was first developed in the nineteenth century. Three philosophers who were the first to question about the mind and mental processes was during the fifth centuries and they were known as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. These three philopshers were questioned by Hippocrates about the questions of how the nature of mind and mental processes really affects humans. Three Greek Philosophers, Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, were the first to question the nature of the mind and mental processes during the fourth and fifth centuries B.C. This process is known as Psychology. These three philosophers questioned Aristotle, during the fourth and fifth centuries B.C. Hippocrates was a Greek physician that was also called the father of medicine. Hippocrates was very interested in the study...
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