Philosophical and Physiological Influences on Psychology

Study Notes

Philosophical Perspectives

Buddha contemplated the nature of suffering, desire, and the self, influencing psychological thought through concepts of mindfulness and introspection.
Socrates emphasized self-knowledge, advocating for understanding the mind through dialogue and questioning.
Plato considered the mind as a distinct entity from the body, proposing the theory of forms and prioritizing rational thought.

Physiological Perspectives

Descartes suggested interaction between the immaterial mind and physical body occurred through the pineal gland, proposing dualism in addressing mental processes and physical actions.
Hebrew philosophy contributed to psychological thought through ethical and moral considerations, emphasizing a holistic view of humanity and the importance of the soul.

Development of Psychology

Psychology emerged as a distinct science in the late 19th century, paralleling advancements in experimental methods and empirical research.
Until the 1920s, psychologists commonly referred to their discipline as "mental philosophy," reflecting the philosophical roots of the field.

Knowledge Acquisition

Aristotle believed knowledge was acquired through sensory experience and empirical observation, contrasting with the rationalist approach by emphasizing the role of the environment and learning.
Bacon argued that the brain seeks to make sense of its surroundings by identifying patterns and establishing order, laying groundwork for scientific inquiry and the scientific method.

Description

Test your knowledge on the philosophical and physiological perspectives that influenced the development of psychological thought. Explore how these perspectives shaped the field of psychology and its evolution as a scientific discipline.