CHAPTER 1: HISTORY

 

Every scientific discovery is indebted to the human mind and its never-ending inquisitiveness. Freedom of thought is a major antecedent in scientific researches. Many prominent discoveries start with informal observations, which then progress into logical patterns and finally evolve into conceptual models. Alas, mind still continues to be one of the rare areas where science finds it difficult to bring evidence based inferences. Man, even after extrapolating the smallest happenings in the universe, struggles hard to understand the language of human psyche. The mathematical equations or validated hypothetical conclusions are not comprehensive enough to define life, nature, universe, and most importantly the highly dynamic human psyche. The impediment in exploring the mind is generally attributed to the complexity and dynamism involved in its structural and functional aspects.

 

While considering the branch of psychology, it can be seen that the non-scientific promulgations are much higher than the scientific ones. There are hundreds of concepts, theories and schools of thought that are difficult to explain with tangible proof. Many of the concepts may have concrete theoretical background and systematic therapeutic processes. At the same time, the inability of these theories in providing results that are consistent in nature gives it a non-scientific label. Science is mostly tied up with the concept of absolute truth, which is always true, no matter what the situations are. The moment it drags down to relative truth, the one that depends on the person or the situation under which it is considered, it becomes non-science, or at least something that is debatable.

 

Understanding the evolution and growth in the field of psychology is desirable before proceeding with the concepts explained in detail in the coming chapters. The readers will be able to comprehend much effectively the various points raised in this book once they understand the basics of this field of study and its different perspectives. The thoughts presented here are not against bringing in empirical evidence on a particular subject through observations and experiments, but stands for an attitude of openness where the possibility of dynamism is accepted, especially when the field of study is complex. Both the traditional as well as modern phases of this school along with the contributions of great behavioral scientists are briefly explained in this chapter. Plato, Aristotle, Mesmer, Weber, Fechner, Darwin, Wundt, Harlow, James, Thorndike, Watson, Freud, Jung, Pavlov, Skinner, Roger, Maslow, Berne, Festinger, Erikson are a few names among many who deserves attention and are mentioned in detail. It is interesting to note that the difference of opinions among various geniuses in this field and their different versions of theories are related to one aspect; the Human Mind

Hope you read the chapter and acknowledge the untiring efforts of a number of scientists who were fascinated to the world of psychology and have been instrumental in revolutionizing the ever challenging branch of study.

 

 

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