Crash Course Psychology - Introduction

Overview

• Psychology: Science of behavior and mental processes
• Evolved from the study of the soul to modern definitions
• Early curiosity about human mind (Aristotle, Chinese rulers, Persian doctors)

History of Psychology

Early Thinkers

• Aristotle: Believed consciousness was in the heart
• Chinese rulers: Conducted psychological exams (intelligence and personality tests)
• Rhazes (Persian doctor): Described mental illness and treated patients

Establishment of Psychology

• Wilhelm Wundt (1879): First psychology lab in Germany, "Principles of Physiological Psychology"
• Edward Titchener: Structuralism, study of consciousness through introspection
• William James: Functionalism, based on adaptive behaviors (inspired by Darwin), "The Principles of Psychology" (1890)

Sigmund Freud

• Founder of psychoanalysis
• Focused on talk therapy to uncover unconscious motives
• Major works: "The Interpretation of Dreams" (1900), over 20 books
• Legacy: Influence on views of childhood, personality, dreams, and sexuality
• Death: Assisted suicide in 1939 due to cancer

Major Psychological Schools

• Structuralism vs. Functionalism
• Psychoanalysis: Unconscious motives, talk therapy
• Behaviorism: Observable behavior
• Humanist Psychology: Personal growth
• Cognitive Science and Neuroscience: Study of mind

Key Questions in Psychology

• Origins of behavior (genocide, torture)
• Free will vs. environmental/biological influences
• Nature of mental illness and treatment
• Concept of consciousness and self-awareness

Modern Psychology

• Integrative science: Combines various schools of thought
• Aims to understand behavior and mental processes
• Use of diverse data-gathering methods

Conclusion

• Psychology enhances understanding of human mind and behavior
• Valuable in personal development and societal function