The study of history enables a society to understand the present better, prevent one from thinking the past is always better, and aids in the understanding of human nature. Psychology is an ever changing and evolutionary field. Recent years have presented numerous changes and increasing interest by many individuals, which have been inspired to help enhance the growth of modern psychology (Woodworth, 1918, p. 1). The use of the certain tools that have been deemed to be reliable in the fields of biology and physical sciences have been implemented in modern psychology to aid in the fields' growth to take on an identity of its own (Schultz & Schultz, 2004, p. 2). This paper will discuss the personalistic and naturalistic theory and how the two …show more content…
The reasoning for the lack of recognition on the behalf of Vesalius and Harvey has been contributed to the personalistic theory. According to the definition of the personlistic theory, Vesalius and Harvey were not considered as great men of their generation and did not possess the uniqueness to cause a great impact on society.
The personlistic theory does not consider the facts of the historian studies, even though there was sufficient evidence to support their theories. However, according to the zeitgeist steps in order to attempt to explain this by being the spirit of that generation was not open to the new idea’s of these two men, and therefore, their theories were rejected by that generation. According to McCauley, the definition of a zeitgeist is “spirit of times” McCauley (2008, p. 10). Zeitgeist is believed to be the compelling drive to cause major changes in history through unknowing forces. Social, economic, and political forces are considered as a part of zeitgeist theory to influence the ever changing field of psychology Schultz & Schultz (2012, p. 11). Dean Keith Simonton a known researcher of leadership, talent, and esthetics describes zeitgeist as follows:
“The traditional explanation of multiples is founded on what can be called the zeitgeist theory of creativity. According to this social deterministic view, the individual creator is largely
But, during the time that greatness needs to be conquered many turn to the one opposing the obstacle, not knowing what is to come with the win over greatness, with hatred and misunderstand. In the speech of “The Soul of an Individualist” there are many examples given to why there needs to be egoism such as “the creation of fire” and “the creation of the wheel” revolutionary, innovative inventions and discoveries because without it many would not be thriving today. Without it those “transgressors”, the ones who challenged life and asked for purpose many would not have been “burned at the stake” because we, collectively, did not understand it at the time but now we need it because it makes life meaningful and more enjoyable. Now without it we would not live because we are dependant on the independants discoveries. In the end good and bad cannot can be put in a box or molded to fit a certain aspect. It is up to us as individuals to decide what is good and bad with our morals, religion,
“It is a sin to believe evil of others, but it is seldom a mistake.”
Psychology is not just philosophical speculation and reasoning over the years it has evolved and it is now also recognised as a science, to understand what psychology is all about it is necessary to know it’s origins and the theorist who brought it out of obscurity, Sigmund Freud. He developed the Psychodynamic or Psychoanalytical perspective to enable better understanding of human behaviour these concepts will be discussed further later in this study. After Freud opened the gateway other perspectives and approaches have been developed, now with five main areas of psychology - Cognitive, Behaviourist, Biopsychology and Humanist approaches. For a comparison with the Psychodynamic theory, Behaviourist Theory will be discussed.
Psychology is the scientific “study of the mind” (Gross, 2015) and behavior, which includes the study of humans and animals. There are various approaches in modern psychology. A theoretical approach is a perspective (view) about human behavior, there may be several different theories within an approach, but they all share these common assumptions and principles. (McLeod, 2007). A theory is an attempt by theorists to try to explain behavior. Theories are not facts but can be verified by testing. Theories can then be evaluated which I aim to do through this essay, where I will briefly explain the theoretical approaches in psychology and aim to focus on an analysis for each perspective which consist of the psychodynamic, humanist, cognitive and behavioral approaches where I will analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each approach separately.
The personalistic theory often times called the “great man” theory holds that a chosen few individuals are unique in that they are endowed with an extraordinary inner quality giving them the ability to do extraordinary things. When applied to scientific history it is believed that this quality allows them to shape the course of that history with nothing more than their ideas. This
Psychology is the scientific “study of the mind” (Gross, 2015) and behaviour, which includes the study of humans and animals. There are various approaches in modern psychology. A theoretical approach is a perspective which is someone’s view about human behaviour, there can be many different theories within an approach, however they all piece together the same assumptions. (McLeod, 2007). A theory is an attempt by theorists to try to explain behaviour. Theories are not facts but can be verified by testing. Theories can then be evaluated which I aim to achieve through this essay, where I will briefly explain the theoretical approaches in psychology and aim to focus on an analysis of each perspective which consists of the psychodynamic,
Sigmund Freud and Carl Rogers are two extremely renowned individuals who have greatly contributed to the history of psychology. Their contributions are the foundation for the tools, techniques, and methodologies used by psychologist today. Although, each psychologist is from different times and developed different methods, they shared a passion for the workings of the human mind. As a result, their drive and foundation has motivated and prompted new theories and research for the future. This paper will provide a summary of two articles highlighting the processes contemporary psychologists use to develop the theories of Freud and Rogers. It also explains their views of human nature and worldviews as
According to Durkheim’s work The Dualism of Human Nature and Its Social Conditions (DHN), a man has a dual nature which is made up of the body (individual) and the soul (social). He sheds light on this by citing post-Durkheim theories which he does not agree with and which do not solve the problem of this dual nature. Durkheim also uses The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life (EFRL) to discuss the religious aspect of the body and soul. Upon reading, it is discovered that as society evolves, so does this “dual nature.”
However, these criticisms have produced alternatives to traditional psychology for example’s, Social constructionism, (Gergen, 1973), Critical Psychology, (Billing, 2008), Humanistic Psychology, (Shotter, 1984) etc. Although, there are remarkable differences between these alternatives but they all share a broad emphasis on understanding people as a whole human beings who are historically constructed and who tries to make sense out of their world and themselves. Thus, this essay will focus mainly on social constructionist on how they manage to provide a clear understanding of how we perceive and understand the World around us.
There is not a day where my own life lacks social events. A basic day consists of going to work or school, completing homework, and attempting to have a social life with those who are important to me. Being able to manage my social self is a task worth reviewing using the sociological theory of Max Weber and Erving Goffman. Each decision made to manage my life pulls from Weber’s theory of action and rationality; moreover, each situation requires a bit of face by Goffman’s dramaturgy.
What is human nature? It is very simple. Human nature refers to the patterns of behavior that are typical of our species or our kind. Human undergoes change as all humans grow up they nature seems to change; the environment someone grow up in effects that persons nature. To fully understand human nature Dr. Marvin Harris takes us on trip to time, which makes sense because if we better understand our past and our origin we will better understand our very existence and our nature. We will know more about who we are where we are from and such other questions that puzzle the human mind.
An important contribution that has made a great impact on the modern social psychology was from William McDougall. McDougall proposed for an evolutionary psychology, which was influenced by Darwin’s theory. Especially with the dominant fields of sociology and anthropology, McDougall was able to link science, sociology and psychology (McDougall, 1919). However, McDougall’s research in social evolution was also interpreted as radical due to the racism involved in the concept of behaviour gene inheritance. This shows that even though McDougall’s work had been a start point to the origins of social psychology, it also led to misconcepts especially in the Western society. Another person who contributed to the origins of social psychology was William James which introduced the theory of ‘stream of consciousness’. The reason why James made an influence in social
I have always been intrigued by the mental processes of humans and animals. As a young child and into adolescence, as a student and teacher and as a caregiver, I have always been interested in psychology in one form or another. This essay will reflect not only the development of my interest in psychology, but the development of myself as a person.
1) An individualist is considered to be someone with personality and character, someone who is not easily intimidated by social pressure or customs, someone with a personal opinion and a singular view of the world. Because modern society finds it important that people think independently, decide autonomously and take personal initiatives, the concept of individualism has acquired a positive connotation. However, individualism is also linked with the tendency to withdraw from social life and turn in towards oneself.
In this essay I am looking at where Psychology as a discipline has come from and what affects these early ideas have had on psychology today, Psychology as a whole has stemmed from a number of different areas of study from Physics to Biology,