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Putting Psychology in Its Place: A Critical Historical Perspective

Gil Turner

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Psychology is often presented as a unified, objective, and value-neutral science. This narrative is reflected in the way that psychology is taught in schools and universities, and in the way that it is presented in the media. However, a growing number of scholars are challenging this dominant narrative, arguing that psychology has been shaped by social, political, and economic forces, and that its theories and practices have often reflected the interests of the powerful.

Putting Psychology in its Place: Critical Historical Perspectives

by Graham Richards

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2870 KB
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Print length	:	443 pages
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Putting Psychology in Its Place: A Critical Historical Perspective offers a new understanding of the history of psychology. The book argues that psychology is not a monolithic discipline, but rather a diverse field of study with a complex and contested history. The book also challenges the idea that psychology is a value-neutral science, arguing that psychological theories and practices are always embedded in particular social and political contexts.

Putting Psychology in Its Place is a major contribution to the history of psychology. The book offers a new understanding of the field's past, and it provides a valuable resource for scholars and students who are interested in the critical study of psychology.

The History of Psychology

The history of psychology can be divided into three main periods:

* The Pre-Scientific Period (Before the 1800s): During this period, psychology was not considered a separate discipline, but rather a branch of philosophy. Thinkers such as Aristotle and Plato wrote about the mind and the soul, and their ideas influenced the development of psychology for centuries. * The Scientific Period (1800s-1900s): During this period, psychology began to emerge as a separate discipline. Scientists such as Wilhelm Wundt and Edward Titchener developed methods for studying the mind, and they founded the first psychology laboratories. * The Modern Period (1900s-Present): During this period, psychology has become a diverse field of study, with many different schools of thought and areas of specialization. Some of the most influential schools of thought in modern psychology include psychoanalysis, behaviorism, and cognitive psychology.

The Social and Political Context of Psychology

Psychology has always been shaped by the social and political context in which it has developed. For example, the rise of industrial capitalism in the 19th century led to a growing interest in the study of worker productivity and efficiency. This interest in turn led to the development of new psychological techniques for measuring and improving worker performance.

Similarly, the Cold War led to a growing interest in the study of propaganda and persuasion. This interest in turn led to the development of new psychological techniques for influencing people's thoughts and behaviors.

The Power of Psychology

Psychology is a powerful tool that can be used to understand and change human behavior. However, this power can also be used for harmful purposes. For example, psychological techniques have been used to torture prisoners, to manipulate voters, and to create propaganda.

It is important to be aware of the power of psychology, and to use this power responsibly. We must never forget that psychology is a tool that can be used for both good and evil.

Putting Psychology in Its Place is a timely and important book. The book challenges the dominant narrative of psychology as a unified, objective, and value-neutral science. The book argues that psychology is a complex and contested field of study, and that its theories and practices are always embedded in particular social and political contexts.

Putting Psychology in its Place: Critical Historical Perspectives

by Graham Richards

4.5 out of 5