American Psychology and Philosophy, 1876–1976: Alienation and Reconciliation

Abstract

Summary The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the psychology-philosophy relationship during the past 100 years of the existence of American scientific psychology. It traces the forces of alienation that arose in the early part of this period and the intensification of this alienation under the impact of Watson's behaviorism and its related subschools later. The mounting dissatisfaction with behavioristic psychology and the recognition of its limitations in the post World War II period are described as ushering in an era of cognitive psychology and a rediscovery of mind by American psychologists. It would appear that there has never been a more propitious time in the last century than at present for a reconciliation with philosophy and the development of psychology as a human science. Accordingly, psychologists in America need to rethink their definition of the subject matter, methodology, and practice of psychology.