History and Foundations of Psychology

Volledige vakbeschrijving

Scientific products and science-based solutions for social problems are all around us. This course describes the development of psychology as an independent branch of knowledge acquisition and attempts to capture the essence of this academic discipline. Because this entails fundamental questions, we will first set the stage by reflecting on several milestones in the development of humanity. After this, we will zoom in on the scientific revolution of the 16th and 17th century that has determined our present view of the world. This should encourage you to think about the question of how modern psychology was shaped after and through this revolution. In this way, on temporary psychology is studied as a result of changes in and approaches of human thought and behaviour through the ages. The most important thinkers and schools of thought within psychology will be discussed. Following Burke’s adage "Those who don’t know history are destined to repeat it", awareness of historical strengths and weaknesses of psychology is important to ensure a healthy future for scientific psychology and its practitioners.