PS390 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Human Science, Critical Inquiry, Social Constructionism
Document Summary
Chapter one: introducing the history and philosophy of psychology. The study of the soul, consciousness, behaviour, the mind, or the brain, depending on the era and cultural context investigated. All psychological disciplines have permeable, not firm, boundaries with other disciplines (philosophy, biology) and professions (medicine) Can be divided into two types: natural science and human science. Natural science: prediction and control of behaviour and cognitive processes. Human science: understanding the meaning of psychological experience. Refers to both the modern discipline as a science and profession, and to psychological subject matter with ancient roots, practiced in diverse cultures through philosophical inquiry or self-reflection. Interpretation is crucial in historiography and individuals" achievements are best understood when situated in their intellectual and social contexts. The discipline of interpreting past events and objects from multiple perspectives in order to understand their meaning. Historiography: the philosophy, history, and methods of history as a scholarly pursuit.
