What aspect of reconciling structural and functional psychology makes you the most happy?
- Seeing the bigger picture come together, and realizing that these two perspectives aren’t mutually exclusive, makes me hopeful.
- I feel excited that we can finally understand consciousness in a more complete way.
- I feel relieved that we’re moving away from reductionist views of the mind.
What do you think you need to better understand Calkins’ approach to a unified psychology?
- A deeper understanding of the historical context in which Calkins was writing would be really helpful.
- I think I need more concrete examples of how the self-focused approach can be applied to specific psychological phenomena.
- I need to better grasp the distinction between structural and functional psychology before fully appreciating Calkins’ argument.
How prepared are you to explain Calkins’ argument for the self as the fundamental unit of psychology?
- I feel confident in my ability to explain the gist of Calkins’ argument.
- I can explain the basics but would likely stumble on the nuances of her position.
- I need to review Calkins’ work a bit more before feeling prepared to discuss her ideas with others.
What is your absolute favorite takeaway from Calkins’ perspective on the self and its environment?
- The idea that consciousness is inherently relational and that we are deeply connected to our world is incredibly powerful.
- The self isn’t a fixed entity but is constantly shaped by its interactions.
- Calkins’ emphasis on the self’s interaction with its environment makes psychology feel more relevant to my everyday life.
What comes to mind when you think about the conflict between traditional psychology and Calkins’ self-focused approach?
- A necessary shift in perspective that challenges outdated assumptions.
- An important dialogue that pushes the boundaries of psychology.
- The self is so central to how we experience the world; psychology can’t afford to ignore it.
What’s your favorite aspect of Calkins’ self-focused approach to psychology?
- It feels more intuitive and resonates more with my own experience.
- It provides a more holistic and nuanced understanding of the human mind.
- I love that it emphasizes the unique and subjective nature of consciousness.
What happened in the past when earlier psychologists tried to understand consciousness?
- They often focused on breaking down mental processes into their smallest components, which led to a fragmented view of the mind.
- The self was largely ignored as a primary focus, which Calkins saw as a critical oversight.
- Psychology became somewhat detached from the actual lived experience of being a conscious self.
What do you think is missing in your quest to fully understand the conscious self?
- Honestly, more time to really delve into the philosophical and psychological literature on the self.
- Practical exercises or techniques that allow me to experience the self in a more direct and meaningful way.
- Maybe a deeper understanding of my own consciousness and how it operates in my daily life.
How comfortable are you with the idea that the self is not a fixed entity, as suggested by Calkins’ work?
- I find the idea of a fluid and ever-evolving self to be both exciting and a bit daunting.
- It takes some getting used to, but I’m embracing the idea of a self that is constantly being shaped by experiences.
- It’s challenging but makes me realize that I have more agency in shaping my own identity than I might have previously thought.
How well do you feel Calkins addresses the challenge of reconciling structural and functional psychology?
- I think she does a brilliant job by demonstrating how both perspectives contribute to a richer understanding of the self.
- She offers a compelling argument but I think there’s still much work to be done in bringing these perspectives together.
- Her approach provides a solid foundation, but I’d be curious to see how it’s been developed in contemporary psychology.
If you could choose any metaphor to describe Calkins’ approach to psychology, which one would you choose and why?
- A tapestry weaver, because she skillfully weaves together different strands of thought into a cohesive and intricate whole.
- A bridge builder, as she connects two seemingly disparate perspectives—structural and functional psychology—to create a more unified understanding of the mind.
- A conductor, orchestrating the different elements of psychology—thoughts, feelings, behaviors—to create a harmonious symphony of the self.
When you were first introduced to Calkins’ ideas, how did you make sense of her concepts?
- I tried to connect her ideas to my own experiences and look for examples of the self at work in my own life.
- I found it helpful to compare and contrast her approach with other psychological perspectives I was familiar with.
- I had to sit with her ideas for a while and allow them to marinate before they truly clicked for me.
How do you feel about Calkins’ argument for the self as the central focus of psychology?
- It feels incredibly relevant to me. The self is the lens through which I experience everything, so it makes sense that it should be at the heart of psychology.
- It’s a refreshing perspective that puts the individual back at the center of inquiry.
- I’m a bit skeptical. Can we really study something as subjective as the self in a scientific way?
What makes you nervous about truly understanding your own conscious self?
- Honestly, the thought of confronting my own biases and limitations is a bit intimidating.
- It feels like a daunting and never-ending journey. Will I ever truly know myself?
- I’m a little afraid of what I might discover!
You are at a party, and someone asks you, “What are your thoughts on consciousness?” what’s the actual answer, not just a simplified explanation?
- Well, it’s a complex issue, but I find Mary Whiton Calkins’ work on the self to be incredibly compelling. She argued that consciousness is always experienced by a self, and that we can’t understand it without understanding the self.
- You can’t talk about consciousness without acknowledging that it’s always happening to someone. That sense of subjective experience is crucial.
- Consciousness is more than just the sum of our thoughts and feelings; it’s about how we relate to the world around us.
In a perfect world, how would Calkins’ ideas about self-psychology be incorporated into our education and understanding of the mind?
- They would be foundational to our understanding of psychology, not just a footnote in history.
- We would be encouraged from a young age to develop self-awareness and explore our own inner world.
- The self would be seen as integral to every aspect of our lives—our relationships, our work, our understanding of the world around us.
What’s your idea of a truly “conscious” society?
- One where individuals are self-aware, empathetic, and understand the interconnectedness of all beings.
- One where Calkins’ ideas about the self and its relationship to the environment are widely understood and applied to create a more just and equitable world.
- One where we value introspection and self-exploration as much as we value external achievements.
What’s your favorite memory related to learning about the complexities of the human mind?
- It was that “aha!” moment when I first grasped the concept of the unconscious and how it influences our thoughts and behaviors.
- Honestly, just those late-night conversations with friends where we pondered the big questions of life, existence, and consciousness.
- When I started to meditate and had those first glimpses into the nature of my own mind.
What is most likely to make you feel frustrated when discussing psychology?
- People reducing the mind to simply brain states. It’s so much more than that!
- When people dismiss the subjective nature of experience.
- When important figures like Calkins are left out of the conversation!
Which of these aspects of Calkins’ work do you most want to dive deep on and explore further?
- The concept of the self as relational and the implications this has for our understanding of social behavior.
- Her critique of purely structural approaches to psychology. There’s a lot to unpack there.
- The practical applications of self-psychology for personal growth and well-being.
A friend expresses skepticism about this whole “self” idea in psychology. What is your first response?
- I totally get it, it’s not always an easy concept to grasp! Have you ever read Mary Whiton Calkins? She really opened my mind to how central the self is in experiencing the world.
- Well, think about it this way—how can you make sense of anything, even your own doubts about the self, without a sense of self doing the thinking?
- I used to feel similarly, but the more I learn about Calkins’ work, the more I realize how fundamental the self is to understanding the human experience.
How would your friends and family describe your interest in consciousness and the self?
- They’d probably say I overthink things!
- They find it a bit quirky but ultimately respect my desire to understand the big questions.
- They know that I’m passionate about psychology and often come to me to talk through their own thoughts and feelings.
What keeps you up at night about the field of psychology?
- I worry that we’re not always asking the right questions and that we risk losing sight of the human element in our pursuit of scientific objectivity.
- Ethical considerations in research and therapy. It’s important to be mindful of the impact our work has on others.
- The mind-body problem. How can something immaterial like consciousness arise from the physical matter of the brain? It’s the ultimate mystery!
Someone asks “how are you?” in the context of your study of Calkins and psychology, what’s the actual answer?
- I’m doing well, but honestly, learning about Calkins’ work has really pushed me to think differently about my own sense of self!
- You know, it’s been a journey. Calkins really makes you examine your own assumptions about consciousness.
- I’m feeling inspired to learn more about myself and the nature of my own mind.
What do you dream about when it comes to advancing our understanding of consciousness?
- I’d love to see a future where the study of consciousness bridges the gap between science, philosophy, and spirituality.
- Imagine if we could develop technologies that allow us to directly experience different states of consciousness.
- My hope is that one day we will fully unlock the mysteries of consciousness and understand our place in the universe.
If you could wave a magic wand, what would the perfect outcome of studying Calkins’ work be?
- For her ideas to revolutionize the field of psychology and lead to a paradigm shift in how we understand the mind.
- For self-psychology to be integrated into mainstream education, therapy, and even everyday life.
- For people to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for their own consciousness and the consciousness of others.
How often do you think about the nature of your own consciousness?
- Probably more than the average person! I’m fascinated by it.
- It tends to come in waves. Sometimes it’s at the forefront of my mind, other times I’m more focused on the external world.
- Usually when I’m feeling stuck or uncertain. Reflecting on my own thought processes often helps me find clarity.
Tell us a little about your current understanding of consciousness.
- I’m constantly learning and evolving in my understanding, but at the core, I believe that consciousness is subjective, relational, and fundamental to our experience of being human.
- It’s a mystery I’m constantly trying to solve!
- Consciousness is the foundation of our existence, but it’s also fluid, ever-changing, and deeply interconnected with the world around us.
You have a choice between deeply exploring your own consciousness or studying the brains of others. Which do you choose?
- As fascinating as brain science is, I’m drawn to the immediacy and intimacy of exploring my own consciousness.
- I’m more interested in the subjective experience of consciousness, so I’d choose to dive into my own inner world.
- Studying the brain is important, but it can only take us so far in understanding the subjective nature of consciousness.
What are you most passionate about when it comes to understanding the human mind?
- Unlocking the potential of human consciousness for creativity, compassion, and personal growth.
- Breaking down the stigma around mental health and creating a more supportive and understanding world for those who struggle.
- Understanding how our minds shape and are shaped by the world around us.
How do you handle the philosophical questions that inevitably arise when studying consciousness?
- I embrace them! I love getting lost in the big questions and exploring different perspectives.
- I try to find a balance between intellectual exploration and grounding myself in the present moment.
- I accept that there are some questions we may never have definitive answers to, and that’s okay.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you encounter a new theory about consciousness?
- I approach it with curiosity and an open mind but also a healthy dose of skepticism!
- I immediately start trying to connect it to what I already know about the mind and see if it holds up.
- I’m excited to see new perspectives and challenge my own assumptions.
What is your strongest conviction about Calkins’ views on self-psychology?
- I believe her emphasis on the self was a necessary corrective to the overly reductionist views of her time.
- Her work is still relevant today and offers valuable insights into the nature of consciousness.
- Her ideas have the potential to create a more self-aware and empathetic world.