A Conceptual History of Psychology: The Mind Through Time

What is modern Psychology and how did it get here? How and why did Psychology come to be the world’s most popular science?

A Conceptual History of Psychology charts the development of Psychology from its foundations in ancient philosophy to the dynamic scientific field it is today. Emphasising Psychology’s diverse global heritage, the book explains how, across centuries, human beings came to use reason, empiricism, and science to explore each other’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

The book skilfully interweaves conceptual and historical issues to illustrate the contemporary relevance of history to the field. It shows how changing historical and cultural contexts have shaped the way in which modern Psychology conceptualises individuals, brains, personality, gender, cognition, consciousness, health, childhood, and relationships.

This engaging and expansive textbook:

• Helps students understand Psychology through its origins, evolution and cultural contexts

• Moves beyond a ‘great persons and events’ narrative to emphasise the development of the theoretical and practical concepts that comprise Psychology

• Highlights the work of minority and non-Western figures whose influential work is often overlooked in traditional accounts, providing a fuller account of the field’s development

• Includes a range of engaging and innovative learning features to help students build and deepen a critical understanding of the subject

• Draws on examples from contemporary politics, society and culture that bring key debates and historical milestones to life

• Meets the requirements for the Conceptual and Historical Issues component of BPS-accredited Psychology degrees.

This textbook will provide students with invaluable insight into the past, present and future of this exciting and vitally important field.