A Conceptual History of Psychology
A Conceptual History of Psychology
In the new edition of this original and penetrating book, John D. Greenwood provides an in-depth analysis of the subtle conceptual continuities and discontinuities that inform the history of psychology from the speculations of the Ancient Greeks to contemporary cognitive psychology. He also demonstrates the fashion in which different conceptions of human and animal psychology and behavior have become associated and disassociated over the centuries. Moving easily among psychology, history of science, physiology, and philosophy, Greenwood provides a critically challenging account of the development of psychology as a science. He relates the remarkable stories of the intellectual pioneers of modern psychology, while exploring the social and political milieu in which they operated, and dispels many of the myths of the history of psychology, based upon the best historical scholarship of recent decades. This is an impressive overview that will appeal to scholars and graduate students of the history of psychology.
- An illuminating analysis of historical change and development, focusing on real conceptual connections between psychological theories rather than imposed philosophical categories (rationalism vs empiricism, for example)
- Explores some of the engaging and enlivening details of the lives of the early proto-psychologists and pioneers of modern scientific psychology
- Allows the reader to appreciate the different perspectives of psychologists working in different historical periods and contexts, and with different assumptions and goals
Reviews & endorsements
'A Conceptual History of Psychology: Exploring the Tangled Web brings intellectual clarity to the fascinating and complex evolution of the discipline known as psychology.' David Leary, University of Richmond
'This work is a most impressive accomplishment. True to Greenwood's stated objective, he has produced a comprehensive history of psychology that traces the critical conceptual continuities and discontinuities in the development of the discipline. Thanks to his deft orchestration of scholarly breadth, intellectual depth, and engaging writing style, Greenwood's book is at once informative, challenging, and a pleasure to read. It merits an enthusiastic welcome!' James Lamiell, University of Georgetown
Product details
August 2015Paperback
9781107666801
570 pages
229 × 151 × 28 mm
0.82kg
Available
Table of Contents
- Preface
- 1. History, science, and psychology
- 2. Ancient Greek science and psychology
- 3. Rome and the medieval period
- 4. The scientific revolution
- 5. The Newtonian psychologists
- 6. Physiology and psychology
- 7. Theories of evolution
- 8. Psychology in Germany
- 9. Psychology in America: the early years
- 10. Functionalism, behaviorism, and mental testing
- 11. Neobehaviorism, radical behaviorism, and problems of behaviorism
- 12. The cognitive revolution
- 13. Abnormal and clinical psychology
- Epilogue: the past and future of scientific psychology.
