Consider the statement “psychology has a long past but a short history.” What do you think this means?

Question

In your opinion, which person or perspective has had the most influence on the growth of psychology?

Answer 1

"Psychology has a long past" means that as long as humans have had conscious thought, psychological factors have also existed;
"… but a short history" means that the STUDY of psychology is relatively recent.

Regarding "the most influence on the growth of psychology"; when referring specifically to the study of Psychology, Freud is still the top influence - even though I don't agree with many of his theories - as his is still the most well known name and concepts among the general population; and his works are what drove the growth of Psychology from what was perceived as quackery to a respected field.

But even before psychology was a named field of study, philosophers and storytelllers were very aware of it's existence. Shakespeare, for example, had strong psychological themes in all his works. So there are many different perspectives one could take on your vague question.

Answer 2

For example, take the case of logic. It appears very
attractive to every researcher. Consequently, everyone
tries to use his own logic in his works. But, how many
of them know the limitations of logic?

In the 1930s, Austrian mathematician Godel proved a
theorem which became the "Godel theorem" in cognition
theory. It states that any formalized 'logical' system
in principle cannot be complete in itself. It means
that a statement can always be found that can be
neither disproved nor proved using the means of that
particular system. To discuss about such a statement,
one must go beyond that very logic system; otherwise
nothing but a vicious circle will result. Psychologist
say that any experience is contingent - it's opposite
is logically possible and hence should not be treated
as contradictory.

Maharshis of yore in India have practiced higher
techniques like meditation and Yoga, and reached a
higher level of consciousness before writing books on
psychology. For example, the Upanishads speak of five
components of mind which act mutually independently.
Only one modern psychologist speaks about such mutually
independant components - that too only two of them:

"Our two minds .... One is an act of the emotional
mind, the other of the rational mind. In a very real
sense we have two minds, one that thinks and one that
feels" (Daniel Goleman, Emotional Intelligence,
Bloomsbury Publishing, London, 1996, page 8).

The Upanishads call the emotional component of mind as
Chitta and the rational component of mind as Manas. In
general, women excel in Chitta and men excel in Manas.
Men have the ability to transcend the limitations of
Manas and activate the higher component of mind Buddhi
(intellect or wisdom).

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Answer 3

Psychology has always been present but it is only in the recent history that it has been given official recognition. It is still classed as a soft science as it so difficult to get consistant results in experiments as we the psychologists are part of our own experiment.

As to who has had the most impact on the growth of Psychology I think I have to say Freud as he brought it out to the public arena , and made it more acceptable.

Answer 4

it means it that psychology has always been there but not named or accepted till recently,its a relatively new discipine when considered aganst history, economics, anthropology etc, i think freud, skinner and pavlov have contributed greatly, as have maslow and piaget

Answer 5

I think Carl Rogers has had a huge impact.

Answer 6

The statement suggests that you are lazy with your coursework, and are looking for an easy fix.

Answer 7

Chuck knows.

Answer 8

Are you really retarded enough to have to ask this question?