History of Psychology Overview

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering the key concepts, figures, and developments in the history of psychology.

Why study the history of psychology?

Understanding the origins and developments that shaped modern psychology.

Who are the two Greek philosophers that influenced psychology?

Plato and Aristotle.

What did Aristotle contribute to psychology?

He was the first to devote an entire book to the mind.

When did psychology become an independent discipline?

Late 19th century.

Who was Wilhelm Wundt?

He founded the first psychology lab at the University of Leipzig.

What did William James contribute to psychology?

He contributed to psychology at Harvard, emphasizing functionalism.

What are the main themes discussed in the history of psychology?

Nature versus nurture, mind-body problem, cognition versus emotion.

What does the nature versus nurture debate involve?

The relative contributions of genetic inheritance and environmental factors to human development.

What was Wouter Buikhuisen known for?

His controversial research on the biological basis of criminal behavior.

What position did the Dutch public take regarding Buikhuisen's research?

He faced fierce protest due to cultural beliefs favoring nurture over nature.

What is the mind-body problem?

The question of how the mind relates to the physical body.

What is dualism?

The belief that mind and body are two distinct substances.

What philosopher is associated with the dualistic worldview?

René Descartes.

What is qualia?

The subjective experience of perception.

What is the hard problem of consciousness?

The challenge of explaining how and why we have subjective experiences.

What is intentionality in philosophy?

The capacity of the mind to direct thoughts toward something.

What does cognitive psychology focus on?

Mental processes like perception, memory, and reasoning.

What did Antonio Damasio argue in his book Descartes' Error?

Emotions play a crucial role in decision-making.

What impact did Descartes have on the understanding of emotions in psychology?

He viewed emotions as bodily phenomena, separate from the mind.

What is the criticism of separating cognition and emotion?

It may overlook the ways in which they are interconnected.

What does the replication crisis in psychology signify?

The difficulty of replicating psychological findings.

What is rationalism?

The view that knowledge is primarily gained through reason.

What is empiricism?

The view that knowledge comes from sensory experience.

What did Francis Bacon contribute to the scientific method?

He introduced induction as a systematic approach to observations.

What is induction?

The process of deriving general principles from specific observations.

Who are some key figures in the transition from teleological to mechanistic explanations?

Nicolaus Copernicus and Galileo Galilei.

What was Galilean science's shift regarding the universe?

From viewing the universe as animated to describing it in mechanical terms.

What does materialism assert?

The belief that everything is composed of matter and physical substances.

What is reductionism in philosophy?

The idea that complex phenomena can be understood by breaking them down into simpler components.

What did Aristotle believe about the soul?

It cannot exist without the body and is integral to living organisms.

How did Aristotle define the concept of psychè?

As the essence and purpose of a living organism.

What distinguishes primary qualities from secondary qualities?

Primary qualities can be measured objectively; secondary qualities depend on perception.

What role does quantification play in modern psychology?

It helps describe and measure human behavior and characteristics, such as intelligence.

What is the aim of mechanics in science?

To understand how phenomena operate through systematic analysis.

What is the relationship between society and science during the Mechanical Era?

As science advanced, it became increasingly integrated with societal structures and economies.

What was a key outcome of the rise of cities during the end of the Middle Ages?

The importance of markets and increased trade.

What implications did the search for usable knowledge have on society?

It influenced economic structures and the practical application of scientific discoveries.

Why is the historical context important in studying psychology?

It provides insights into how contemporary views and theories have evolved.

What impact did the mixing of Greek and Arab knowledge have on European sciences?

It helped reintroduce classical ideas that stimulated scientific progress.

What is the significance of the phrase "knowledge is might"?

It highlights the practical application of scientific knowledge for societal advantage.

What is the impact of the mechanistic view on psychological research?

It paved the way for psychological measurement and experimental approaches.

What did Kepler's work demonstrate about planetary motions?

He showed that planetary orbits are elliptical, contrary to previous beliefs.

What characterized the societal structures in Europe during the Middle Ages?

Rigid class divisions and limited access to education.

Who initially opposed the mechanistic explanations of the universe?

The church and traditional philosophers.

How did the rediscovery of classical Greek texts influence medieval thought?

They began to challenge the authority of outdated philosophical views.

What is the significance of dualism in psychology?

It presents ongoing debates regarding the nature of mind and body relationships.

What enduring question did Aristotle's teachings give rise to within psychology?

The relationship between existence and consciousness.

What can the study of historical psychology teach us?

It equips us to better understand contemporary psychological practices.

What was the Aristotelian view on experimentation?

He showed disdain for it, favoring philosophical reasoning.

What does the term 'empirical' refer to in psychology?

Knowledge based on observed evidence and experience.

What is the nature of the relationship between cognition and emotion according to Damasio?

Emotions are essential in shaping cognitive processes.

What did the term 'teleology' imply in ancient thinking?

The explanation of phenomena based on their purpose or goal.

How has the mechanistic approach impacted modern scientific inquiries?

It emphasizes analysis, quantification, and objective measurement.

What role did the philosophers of ancient Greece play in the foundation of psychology?

They established early concepts of mind and behavior that influenced later theories.

Who is often credited with laying the groundwork for the empirical method?

Francis Bacon.

What central concept does the replication crisis relate to in psychology?

The challenge of establishing reliable and stable findings in psychological research.

What does the debate between rationalism and empiricism signify in psychology?

It reflects contrasting views on the sources of knowledge and human understanding.

Why is the examination of philosophical assumptions important in psychology?

It helps psychologists recognize underlying biases and influences on their work.

What did the philosophical movement from teleology to mechanism signify?

A shift in focus from purpose-based explanations to causal ones.

What impact do societal changes have on the evolution of psychological theories?

They influence how psychological concepts are understood and applied.