The Story of Psychology

The Story of Psychology

Publisher
Vintage
Published
2007
Pages
—
ISBN-13
9780307278074
Format
print
Language
English

Socrates, Plato, Descartes, Spinoza, Mesmer, William James, Pavlov, Freud, Piaget, Erikson, and Skinner. Each of these thinkers recognized that human beings could examine, compreh…

Book Summary
Morton Hunt's The Story of Psychology is a sweeping, narrative history of psychology from Socrates to Skinner and beyond. Fully revised to include recent developments, it profiles the field's great thinkers and explains centuries of research and therapy. It's an engaging, accessible chronicle for anyone curious about how we came to understand the mind and behavior.
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About The Story of Psychology

Morton Hunt's The Story of Psychology traces the intellectual history of psychology from ancient Greek philosophers through modern cognitive science. Hunt profiles towering figures—Socrates, Plato, Descartes, Spinoza, Mesmer, William James, Pavlov, Freud, Piaget, Erikson, and Skinner—setting their lives and discoveries against their historical contexts. He lucidly explains the techniques and validity of psychological research and the methods and effectiveness of major psychotherapies. This fully revised edition incorporates dramatic developments of the last fifteen years, making it a comprehensive and absorbing chronicle of one of humanity's great inquiries: the search for the true causes of our behavior. Hunt's graceful prose makes complex ideas accessible, offering readers a rich understanding of how psychology evolved into a rigorous science and a healing practice.

Who should read The Story of Psychology?

This book suits general readers curious about psychology's origins, undergraduate students seeking historical context, and professionals wanting a readable overview of the field's evolution. It's ideal for those who appreciate narrative history and biographical sketches, as well as anyone interested in how great thinkers shaped our understanding of the mind. Teachers and writers will find it a valuable reference for key figures and ideas.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • ✓ Engaging narrative style makes complex history accessible
  • ✓ Comprehensive coverage from ancient philosophy to modern psychology
  • ✓ Profiles major thinkers with vivid biographical detail
  • ✓ Explains research methods and psychotherapy clearly
  • ✓ Fully revised edition includes recent developments
Cons
  • ✗ Dense for readers seeking a quick introduction
  • ✗ Focus on Western thinkers may limit global perspectives
  • ✗ Some may find the biographical emphasis excessive
  • ✗ Not a substitute for primary source readings
  • ✗ Limited depth on contemporary cognitive neuroscience
Frequently asked questions
Is this book suitable for beginners?
Yes, Hunt's narrative style and clear explanations make it accessible to general readers with no prior background in psychology.
Does the revised edition cover recent developments?
Yes, the fully revised edition incorporates dramatic developments of the last fifteen years, bringing the story up to date.
Is this a textbook or a popular history?
It is a popular history written for a general audience, though it is often used as supplementary reading in psychology courses.
Which thinkers are covered?
The book profiles Socrates, Plato, Descartes, Spinoza, Mesmer, William James, Pavlov, Freud, Piaget, Erikson, Skinner, and many others.
Does it explain psychotherapy methods?
Yes, Hunt discusses the methods and effectiveness of major forms of psychotherapy alongside psychological research techniques.

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