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OCKHAM, HOBBES, AND A THE ROMANTIC REVOLT Jessie Brown AC2108460 Ashworth College History and Systems of Psychology Assignment 4 December 4, 2023

William of Ockham, a medieval philosopher and theologian, made significant contributions to various fields, including theology, metaphysics, and epistemology. While he is perhaps best known for his formulation of Ockham's Razor, a principle emphasizing simplicity in explanation, his influence extends to the realm of psychology. Examining Ockham's ideas provides valuable insights into the historical development of psychological thought (Spade, 1999). Ockham's Razor, is often summarized as "entities should not be multiplied beyond necessity," underscores the importance of simplicity in constructing explanations (Ockham, 1974). Applied to psychology, this principal advocates for parsimony in understanding mental processes. Ockham argued that when explaining cognitive phenomena, one should prefer simpler theories that require fewer assumptions. This idea aligns with contemporary views on cognitive psychology, emphasizing the search for elegant and straightforward explanations for complex mental functions (Spade, 1999). Ockham's philosophical stance, known as nominalism, asserted that only individual entities exist, and universals are mere names or labels (Leff & Internet Archive, 1975). This nominalist perspective influenced the study of individual minds in psychology. Ockham's rejection of excessive abstraction encouraged a focus on understanding the unique aspects of individual cognitive experiences, paving the way for the later development of individual psychology and the study of subjective consciousness. Ockham's discussions on divine freedom and human agency had implications for the understanding of human behavior (Klocker, 1985). His emphasis on the autonomy of the human will be contributed to debates about free will and determinism, shaping early psychological perspectives on motivation and decision-making. Ockham's ideas on the relationship between divine and human wills laid the groundwork for future discussions on the psychology of morality and ethical decision-making. 1

William of Ockham's influence on the history of psychology is evident in his philosophical contributions, notably Ockham's Razor and his nominalist perspective. These ideas shaped the way psychologists approached the study of cognition, emphasizing simplicity and individual experiences. Additionally, Ockham's thoughts on human agency and free will contributed to the evolving discourse on motivation and ethical decision-making in psychology. By exploring Ockham's insights, we gain a deeper understanding of the historical roots that have shaped the trajectory of psychological thought. Thomas Hobbes, a prominent English philosopher of the 17th century, is renowned for his influential work in political philosophy. In his seminal work, "Leviathan," Hobbes explored the nature of social life and the formation of political communities (Hobbes, 1651). Hobbes's laws of social life, grounded in his social contract theory, offer a compelling perspective on the foundations of political order and the role of individuals within society. Examining Hobbes's ideas provides valuable insights into the principles that underpin his vision of a just and stable social structure. Hobbes's philosophy begins with the concept of the state of nature, a hypothetical scenario in which individuals exist without a governing authority. In this state, Hobbes famously characterized life as "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short" (Hobbes, 1651). To escape the perils of the state of nature, individuals, according to Hobbes, enter into a social contract, forming a sovereign authority to maintain order and protect against chaos. Hobbes posits that the fundamental law of nature is the right to self-preservation. In the state of nature, individuals are driven by an instinct to preserve their own lives. This law becomes the basis for Hobbes's argument for the necessity of a sovereign power to enforce and regulate social interactions (Hobbes, 1651). The social contract, according to Hobbes, is an 2

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