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History and Systems of Psychology provides an engaging introduction to the rich story of psychology's past. Retaining the clarity and accessibility praised by readers of earlier editions, this classic textbook provides a chronological history of psychology from the pre-Socratic Greeks to contemporary systems, research, and applications. The new edition also features expanded coverage of Eastern as well as Western traditions, influential women in psychology, professional psychology in clinical, educational, and social settings, and new directions in twenty-first century psychology as a cognitive and a positive science. Assuming little prerequisite knowledge, the authors discuss the people, places, and concepts that have shaped psychology's story, and show that we remain fascinated by the same enduring questions that confronted our ancestors - namely, our wonder at our subjectivity and consciousness of self. The seventh edition is fully supported by robust pedagogical features, instructor resources, and a companion website to aid student learning.
List of contents
1. Past for present: psychology in search of a paradigm; 2. Psychology in the ancient and classical east; 3. Psychological foundations in ancient Greece; 4. From classical Rome to the early middle ages; 5. The reawakening of intellectual life in the Middle Ages; 6. The Renaissance; 7. The emergence of modern science; 8. Sensationalism and positivism: the French tradition; 9. Mental passivity: the British tradition; 10. Mental activity: the German tradition; 11. Romanticism and existentialism in the nineteenth century; 12. Nineteenth century bases of psychology; 13. The founding of modern psychology; 14. American functionalism; 15. The Gestalt movement; 16. Psychoanalysis; 17. Behaviorism; 18. The third force movement; 19. Cognitive psychology; 20. Contemporary psychology; Glossary; Name index; Subject index.
About the author
James F. Brennan served seven years as Provost of the Catholic University of America, Washington DC, rejoining the faculty as Professor of Psychology in 2014. He has held academic, administrative and faculty positions at a number of universities, continuing a program of empirical research focused on drug actions in hearing pathologies. His interest in psychology's history stems from his doctoral minor concentration, mainly through Kent State University's School of Library Sciences.
Summary
The new edition of this classic textbook provides a comprehensive yet accessible overview of psychology's past, from the pre-Socratic Greeks to contemporary systems, research, and applications. Updates include expanded coverage of Eastern traditions, women in psychology, professional psychology in applied settings, and new directions in twenty-first century psychological science.
Report
'The content of this work is deftly organized around intellectual traditions within psychology that have deep historical roots. The prose is scholarly yet engaging, nicely supplemented by maps and photos, and the book's pedagogical support features will be welcomed by students and instructors alike. The book's content also lends itself nicely to partitioning in accordance with different instructors' varying coverage objectives.' James T. Lamiell, former President of the Society for the History of Psychology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
