The 19th Century in Psychology

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the lecture on the 19th century's impact on psychology, including philosophical theories, influential figures, and critical movements.

Positivism

A philosophical theory advocated by Auguste Comte that emphasizes the reliance on scientific knowledge as the basis for societal progress.

Utilitarianism

A philosophical theory founded by John Stuart Mill that proposes actions are right if they promote happiness or pleasure, and wrong if they produce pain.

Dialectical Materialism

A concept developed by Karl Marx suggesting that material realities and economic forces shape society, ideas, and consciousness.

Phrenology

The study of the relationship between the skull's shape and an individual's character traits, popularized by Franz Gall.

Social Darwinism

The application of Darwinian principles to social order, suggesting that in society, only the fittest individuals would survive and thrive.

Romantic Movement

A cultural movement emphasizing personal experience, emotion, and nature, which significantly impacted the development of psychological thought.

Existentialism

A philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom of choice, and personal responsibility, particularly in the face of scientific materialism.

Übermensch

A concept from Friedrich Nietzsche representing an individual who transcends societal norms and embodies unlimited human potential.

Evolutionary Theory

A scientific theory pioneered by Charles Darwin that explains how species evolve over time through natural selection.

Women’s Emancipation

The movement aimed at achieving equal rights and opportunities for women, part of the historical context influencing psychology.