Psychology
philosophy + biology
Empiricism
Hypotheses and theories about the nature of mind need to be confirmed or disconfirmed by observation.
Monism
Also materialism: Mind is within brain
Dualism
René Descartes
Epiphenomenalism
A type of dualism
Interactionism
A type of dualism
Materialism
Monism, brain = mind
Structuralism
School of thought: (Wilhelm Wundt) Basic elements form the parts of more complex mental events
Introspection
A technique requiring intensive training to analyze conscious experience into its basic elements (sensations)
Functionalism
School of thought: (William James) Psychology should investigate the function or purpose of consciousness, not structure
Wilhelm Wundt
Father of psychology
Gestalt psychology
School of thought: (Max Wertheimer) The whole of personal experience is different from the sum of its parts
Behaviourism
School of thought: (John Watson) Prediction and control of behaviour, stimulus = response
Cognitive revolution
Psychophysiological model of mind
Model of mind: Explains human behaviour based on biology
- Form of reductionism
- Nervous system
Assumptions:
- Behaviour determined by structures and inherited processes
- Experience can modify behaviour by changing biology
- Aplysia slug (Kandel) w reductionism
Problem: Doesn’t explain how thoughts really work
Psychodynamic model of mind
Model of mind: (Sigmund Freud) All behaviour can be explained in terms of drives or other intra-psychological forces
Behaviourist model of mind
Model of mind: (Pavlov & Watson) Overt and observable behaviour is the proper level of analysis
Cognitive model of mind
Model of mind: Assumes that cognitions (all structure & processes that are mental) are the principal subject matter of psychology
Humanistic model of mind
Model of mind: (Maslow & Rogers) Assumes that humans are neither motivated by strong deterministic biology drives or environmental factors - active beings, naturally good w free will
Id
Follows the pleasure principle. Attempts to avoid pain and increase pleasure. Primal drives, basic nature (the wild animal within).
Ego
Reason and self-control, tries to mediate superego and id.
Superego
Morality, conscience, ideals, aspirations (your perfect self)
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
William James
Founding parent: Functionalism