An Intellectual History of Psychology - Softcover

Robinson, Daniel N.

3.78

72 ratings by Goodreads

9780299109844: An Intellectual History of Psychology

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0299109844 ISBN 13: 9780299109844

Publisher: University of Wisconsin Press, 1986

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This book presents a "history of ideas" approach to psychology, tracing the main strands of the influences leading to "modern" psychology from its earliest beginnings in Greek civilization, philosophy and science to its state at the present moment. The book aims to offer an interpretation, a set of appraisals, a critical synthesis of psychology as a science and as a component of intellectual and cultural history.

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Review:

"Twenty years in the making, including two prior editions, this work conveys a deep, calm mastery of the subject. Philosopher and psychologist Robinson . . . guides the reader from the pre-Socratics to Skinner, passing through Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Luther, Kant, Spinoza, Nietzsche, and many others, including Weyer, Mesmer, and Charcot. Along the way, Robinson convinces the reader that 'the view of reason and appetite as opposing forces is as old as the Homeric epics and as current as psychoanalytic theory.' He also raises questions about the darkness of the 'Dark' ages and the brightness of the Renaissance. Convinced that 'psychology is the history of ideas, ' Robinson treats every idea and every sentence with critical respect, making this a standard-setting book that is also a pleasure to read."
--E. James Lieberman, "Library Journal"

"Robinson does not follow the usual conventions of celebrating one great man after another in chronological order but instead follows the development of ideas as they provide alternative perspectives on the nature of mind. Hence, the reader is carried along on a genuine intellectual adventure."--Ernest R. Hilgard, professor emeritus of psychology, Stanford University

Robinson does not follow the usual conventions of celebrating one great man after another in chronological order but instead follows the development of ideas as they provide alternative perspectives on the nature of mind. Hence, the reader is carried along on a genuine intellectual adventure. Ernest R. Hilgard, professor emeritus of psychology, Stanford University"

About the Author:

Daniel N. Robinson is professor of psychology at Georgetown University. His many books include "Toward a Science of Human Nature: Essays on the Psychologies of Hegel, Mill, Wundt, and James"; "Philosophy of Psychology"; and "Aristotle s Psychology." He was chief consultant for the PBS television series "The Brain and The Mind.""

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