Mind: A Historical and Philosophical Introduction to the Major Theories

Description

An historical overview and evaluation of modern psychology's theoretical foundations, Mind ranges from Descartes to dynamics in its discussion of such topics as introspectionism, psychoanalysis, behaviorism, and the varieties of contemporary cognitive science. Throughout, these theories are examined and assessed as attempts to construct an overall conception of the person-as general theories of human nature.

Andre Kukla is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Psychology at the University of Toronto, where he is also a member of the graduate faculty of the Department of Philosophy Joel Walmsley is Lecturer in Philosophy, University College Cork.

Kukla and Walmsley state in their preface that they intend this volume as 'an introduction to the science of psychology for the nonspecialist who isn't afraid to do a little thinking.' This goal is admirably achieved. The authors present viewpoints about the mind held in the various schools of psychological thought. The summary of each major perspective focuses on the central tenets of each model as they relate to the discipline as a whole. . . . [T]he authors' presentation of these sometimes-thorny, often-difficult constructs is clear. . . . This book offers not only a history of the most important contributions of the field but also an understanding of where psychology is at present. The conclusion is simple but profound. After more than a century of exploration, 'the mind is still a mystery.' Summing up: Highly recommended.--D. M. Chirico, CHOICE Mind is an engaging, beautifully written and informative little book covering a vast array of theories and movements in psychology over the past 150 years. The authors have a clear idea of what is most important about each development and present even the most technical issues and reasoning in ways that are accessible to a wide audience. From start to finish, one feels one is in the presence of exceptional teachers who have mastered the material and know how to make it come alive for students. The book combines philosophical insights with historical information about past thinkers and developments in a seamless and focused way.--Charles Guignon, University of South Florida Theory of mind would be a terrible thing for the modern student to miss. This book is an astonishingly well-written introduction to the major developments in the study of mind in a hundred years of scientific psychology. Kukla and Walmsley point out truly remarkable parallels in the developments, victories, and defeats of each major theory of the twentieth century. Key goals, ideas and arguments that were heatedly praised for decades are thought through cleanly and clearly. In the twenty-first century, the challenges are as exciting as ever. Intellectually liberating, thoughtful and judicious, Kukla and Walmsley invite us to join in the hunt for fresh new ideas.--John M. Kennedy, FRSC, Department of Life Sciences, University of Toronto