Origem e surgimento da Psicologia como ciência | História da Psicologia

Summary

The transcript outlines the evolution of psychology, starting as a branch of philosophy and gradually emerging as a scientific discipline. It highlights key historical figures such as Alcmeão de Crotona, Sócrates, Plato, Aristotle, and René Descartes, each contributing to the foundation of psychological thought. The narrative explores the formation of psychology as a science, beginning with Wilhelm Wundt's establishment of the first psychology institute in 1879. Various schools of thought, including structuralism, functionalism, behaviorism, Gestalt psychology, psychoanalysis, and humanistic psychology, are discussed, showcasing their impact on understanding human behavior and mind.

Takeaways

• 😀 Psychology originated as a branch of philosophy, beginning with the exploration of mystical experiences and human behavior.
• 😀 The term 'psychology' first appeared in philosophical texts in the 10th century, combining the Greek words 'psyche' (soul) and 'logos' (study).
• 😀 Early Greek philosophers like Alcmaeon, Hippocrates, Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle contributed significantly to the foundations of psychology.
• 😀 Hippocrates classified people into four types based on bodily humors: phlegmatic, sanguine, melancholic, and choleric.
• 😀 Socrates and his students, Plato and Aristotle, explored the mind's functions, emphasizing rationality, consciousness, and the inseparability of mind and body.
• 😀 René Descartes introduced the concept of dualism, suggesting the mind and body are separate entities, with the mind being a thinking, non-material substance.
• 😀 Psychology became an independent science in 1879 with the establishment of the first psychological laboratory by Wilhelm Wundt in Leipzig, Germany.
• 😀 Wundt used introspection as a method to study conscious experiences and shifted psychology's focus from the soul to consciousness.
• 😀 The emergence of different schools of thought, such as structuralism, functionalism, behaviorism, gestalt psychology, and psychoanalysis, marked the expansion of psychological approaches.
• 😀 Sigmund Freud introduced psychoanalysis, emphasizing unconscious motivations and the importance of childhood development, although some of his ideas, like the role of sex, were criticized.

Q & A

What is the origin of psychology as a science?

Psychology originated as a branch of philosophy and evolved over 2000 years before becoming a distinct scientific discipline. It began due to the curiosity of cosmologists about mystical experiences and human activities, including dreams, life, and behavior.

Who first coined the term 'psychology'?

The term 'psychology' was first found in philosophical books from the 10th century, derived from two Greek words: 'psique' meaning soul, and 'logos' meaning study or discourse.

What was Alcmaeon of Croton's contribution to psychology?

Alcmaeon of Croton, a Greek physician, proposed that mental life is a function of the brain, laying a foundation for the understanding of the human psyche.

How did Hippocrates contribute to the early study of psychology?

Hippocrates, known as the father of medicine, classified individuals into four temperaments based on bodily humors: phlegmatic, sanguine, melancholic, and choleric, which was an early attempt to categorize personality traits.

What role did Plato and Aristotle play in the development of psychological thought?

Plato emphasized the role of the mind in controlling behavior, introducing the dualism of mind and body. Aristotle, his student, rejected this dualism and focused on the connection between the soul and body, laying the groundwork for psychological and biological studies.

How did René Descartes contribute to psychological thought?

René Descartes proposed a dualistic view, where the mind and body are separate entities. He argued that the act of doubting one's existence is proof of the soul's existence, coining the famous phrase 'Cogito, ergo sum' ('I think, therefore I am').

When did psychology emerge as a formal science, and who is credited with its establishment?

Psychology officially emerged as a science in 1879 with the establishment of the first psychology laboratory by Wilhelm Wundt in Leipzig, Germany. He is considered the founder of modern psychology as a distinct scientific discipline.

What is the structuralism school of thought in psychology?

Structuralism, pioneered by Edward Titchener, focused on studying conscious experiences and the structure of the brain and nervous system. It aimed to analyze the basic elements of consciousness, such as sensations, feelings, and images.

How did functionalism differ from structuralism in psychology?

Functionalism, led by William James, emphasized the function of the mind and how it helps individuals adapt to their environment. It was influenced by Darwin's theory of evolution and focused on the practical aspects of mental processes.

What was the behaviorist perspective in psychology?

Behaviorism, championed by John B. Watson, defined psychology as the study of observable behavior, rejecting the study of mental processes. It focused on conditioned reflexes and the role of the environment and stimuli in shaping behavior.

What is Gestalt psychology, and how does it differ from other schools of thought?

Gestalt psychology, founded in 1912, emphasized that the mind should be studied as a whole rather than in parts. It focused on the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, particularly in perception and sensation.

How did Sigmund Freud's psychoanalysis contribute to the field of psychology?

Sigmund Freud developed psychoanalysis, focusing on unconscious motivations, repression, and the psychosexual development of children. His theories revolutionized the understanding of human behavior, particularly in terms of abnormal psychology and unconscious processes.

What is the humanistic approach in psychology, and who were its key figures?

The humanistic approach, advocated by figures like Abraham Maslow, Carl Rogers, and Gordon Allport, focused on human potential, self-actualization, and free will. It emphasized that behavior is driven by the individual's desire for growth and personal fulfillment.