PY3106 - Theoretical Foundations of Modern Psychology

This subject will examine the history of psychological thought from its pre-Socratic beginning (ca. 600-450 B.C.) through to the great schools of psychology in the first half of the last century. Topics will include: historiography of psychology; philosophy of psychology; Greek, Roman, Medieval and Renaissance psychologies; empiricism; rationalism; associationism; mechanism; utilitarianism; naturalism; voluntarism; structuralism; functionalism; psychoanalysis; behaviourism and neobehaviourism; gestalt psychology. The subject is not meant simply to imbue in students a "respect for the ancients", although we shall see that the most profound problems that occupy contemporary psychologists were anticipated centuries, even millenia, ago. Rather, it is only against the backdrop of historical/cultural forces that current preoccupations will be seen to make sense at all.

Learning Outcomes

• critically evaluate conceptual frameworks (paradigms) underlying contemporary theory and practice in psychology;
• enhance skills in locating, reading and interpreting historical sources relevant to the discipline;
• gain an understanding of, and appreciation for, the philosophical and life science roots of contemporary psychology;
• relate the history of psychology to that of other disciplines in the social sciences, sciences and humanities.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.