Historical and Conceptual Issues in Psychology

Written in a lively and engaging style, Historical and Conceptual Issues in Psychology is richly illustrated and unique in its presentation of historical and conceptual ideas. The history of Psychology focuses on how political, religious, social, and intellectual changes have affected views on the universe, Earth, and mankind.  Conceptual issues are explained by situating them within the historical context that gave rise to them.  The text encourages students to think critically about historiography and how to apply the various insights to their own lives and the degree they are reading.

Historical and Conceptual Issues in Psychology is an essential textbook for undergraduate students taking courses in Psychology and is also suitable for those studying philosophy, social and health sciences.

Historical and Conceptual Issues in Psychology will take you on a journey through the development of the subject, from its philosophical beginnings to the discipline as we know it in the present day. It considers how psychology emerged as a result of the general turn towards science in the Western world, what it has achieved, how it has been received by other scientists and the public, and how it has struggled to find its place in the tension between the scientific and the romantic view of humanity.

Written in a lively and engaging style, Historical and Conceptual Issues in Psychology is richly illustrated with carefully selected examples and eye-opening excerpts from original texts to help you understand the issues. It is unique in presenting historical and conceptual ideas together, making it easier to understand how they affect each other. The history of Psychology is discussed by focusing on the ways in which political, religious, social, and intellectual changes affected the views on the Universe, Earth, and Mankind. Similarly, the conceptual issues are explained by situating them within the historical context that gave rise to them. At the same time, Historical and Conceptual Issues in Psychology encourages students to think critically about historiography and to apply the various insights to their own lives and the degree they are reading.

Historical and Conceptual Issues in Psychology is an essential textbook for undergraduate students taking courses in psychology and is also suitable for those studying philosophy, and social and health sciences.

For further resources accompanying this text, please go to: www.pearsoned.co.uk/brysbaert

"This is the book that I wish I had written. An invaluable resource for students of psychology at all levels and a great read for anyone with an interest in the development of science."

Paul Gardner, University of St. Andrews

“Brysbaert and Rastle's book is characterised by sharp and balanced analysis, no little erudition, and a keen eye for detail.  Punctuating their account with thought-provoking conundrums and historical anecdotes, the authors draw on a rich and colourful frame of reference to show how psychology has been shaped by philosophical and political concerns, as well as by scientific influences.  I know of no other psychology text that so effectively treats both conceptual and historical issues.  The structure is logical and comprehensive, the writing clear and entertaining, the analysis challenging and impressive.  This book is an ideal companion for students of psychology.  Indeed I would recommend it to just about all academics in the field: the issues raised will continue to be of compelling importance as scientific psychology mines for itself a new history within the framework of the 21st century.”

Brian M. Hughes, National University of Ireland, Galway

At the time of writing, Marc Brysbaert and Kathy Rastle were both Professors of Psychology at Royal at Royal Holloway, University of London.   Both have extensive experience as writers and editors of psychology journals and books.  Marc Brysbaert is now Professor at Ghent University, Belgium.