Overview:
In this essay, John Dewey outlines the transition from the “old psychology” to the “new psychology.” He argues that the old psychology, relying on abstract principles and formal logic, was unable to grasp the complexity of human experience. The new psychology, however, emphasizes observation, experimentation, and the holistic nature of mental life, considering influences from physiology, biology, and the social sciences.
Main Parts:
- Critique of the Old Psychology: Dewey criticizes the earlier psychologists for their oversimplification of the mind and their reliance on abstract principles. He argues that they failed to recognize the complexity of mental life and its interconnectedness with the physical world and social environment.
- The New Psychology: Dewey then introduces the “new psychology,” characterized by its embrace of complexity, experimentation, and the influence of other sciences. He highlights the role of physiological psychology in introducing experimental methods, and the influence of the social and historical sciences in expanding the scope of psychological inquiry.
- Characteristics of the New Psychology: Dewey outlines the key features of the new psychology, including its rejection of formal logic, its emphasis on the unity and solidarity of mental life, and its recognition of the importance of the will and the teleological element in human experience. He argues that the new psychology is more realistic and ethical, embracing the complexity and dynamism of human life.
View on Life:
- The old psychology: Views human life as a collection of independent faculties or isolated sensations and ideas. It simplifies and compartmentalizes experience to fit pre-existing abstract principles.
- The new psychology: Recognizes human life as a complex and interconnected organism, influenced by both internal and external factors. It emphasizes the unity and solidarity of mental life and acknowledges the importance of the social environment in shaping individual experience.
Scenarios:
- The dissecting table of analysis: The old psychology is compared to dissecting a machine, breaking down the mind into isolated parts and ignoring the complexities of the whole.
- The microcosm: Dewey emphasizes the complexity of the individual life, which reflects the interconnectedness of the world, both physical and psychical.
- The study of children’s minds: The new psychology investigates the development of children’s minds, recognizing the importance of observing and understanding the natural unfolding of mental life.
Challenges:
- The challenge of understanding the complexity of the human mind: The old psychology faced the challenge of trying to explain the intricate workings of the mind using simplified, abstract principles.
- The challenge of reconciling formal logic with concrete experience: The new psychology grapples with the challenge of reconciling the rigid structure of formal logic with the dynamic and evolving nature of human experience.
Conflict:
- The conflict between the old and the new psychology: Dewey presents the conflict between the older, more simplistic approach to psychology and the newer, more nuanced and holistic approach.
- The conflict between abstract principles and concrete experience: The new psychology rejects the attempt to force experience into pre-existing abstract molds and instead embraces the richness and dynamism of human life.
Plot:
- The story arc of the essay traces the evolution of psychology from the simplified, abstract approach of the 18th century to the more complex and nuanced approach of the late 19th century.
- Key milestones: The introduction of experimentation from physiology, the expansion of psychology’s scope through the social and historical sciences, and the emergence of the new psychology with its emphasis on unity, complexity, and ethical considerations.
Point of View:
- Dewey’s perspective: The essay is written from the perspective of a psychologist who is advocating for the new psychology. Dewey presents a critical analysis of the old psychology and argues for the importance of embracing complexity, experimentation, and the influence of other sciences in understanding human experience.
How It’s Written:
- Tone: Dewey’s tone is thoughtful and analytical. He uses clear and concise language to explain complex ideas.
- Style: The essay is written in a formal and academic style, with a focus on reasoned argumentation and the presentation of evidence.
- Example: “The old psychologists almost without exception held to a nominalistic logic. This of itself were a matter of no great importance, were it not for the inevitable tendency and attempt to make living concrete facts of experience square with the supposed norms of an abstract, lifeless thought, and to interpret them in accordance with its formal conceptions.”
Tone: Analytical, critical, and persuasive.
Life Choices:
- The choice to embrace complexity and dynamism over simplicity and abstraction.
- The choice to utilize experimentation and observation alongside introspection.
- The choice to expand the scope of psychology to include the influence of the social and historical sciences.
Lessons:
- The importance of recognizing the complexity of human experience.
- The value of embracing multiple perspectives and methodologies in understanding the human mind.
- The need to be open to new ideas and challenges in the pursuit of knowledge.
Characters:
- John Dewey: A prominent philosopher and psychologist who advocates for the new psychology.
- The old psychologists: Represented as a group who relied on abstract principles and formal logic.
- The new psychologists: Represented as a group who embrace complexity, experimentation, and the influence of other sciences.
Themes:
- The nature of knowledge: The essay explores the relationship between abstract principles and concrete experience and the importance of finding a balance between them.
- The unity and complexity of human experience: Dewey emphasizes the interconnectedness of human life and the importance of recognizing the influence of multiple factors on the individual.
- The scientific method: The essay highlights the value of experimentation and observation in understanding complex phenomena.
Principles:
- The importance of experience: The new psychology emphasizes the value of concrete experience over abstract principles.
- The unity of mental life: The new psychology recognizes the interconnectedness of mental processes and the importance of understanding the mind as a whole.
- The dynamic nature of human life: The new psychology acknowledges the constant change and growth in human experience.
Intentions of the Characters:
- Dewey: To advocate for the new psychology and to encourage the adoption of its principles in the field of psychology.
- The old psychologists: To create a comprehensive and systematic understanding of the human mind, even if it meant oversimplifying and abstracting experience.
- The new psychologists: To develop a more accurate and nuanced understanding of the human mind by embracing complexity, experimentation, and the influence of other sciences.
Unique Vocabulary:
- “Geistige Band” – This German phrase, meaning “spiritual bond,” highlights Dewey’s focus on the interconnectedness of mental life.
- “Antaeus” – This mythological figure derived strength from contact with the Earth, representing the need for the human mind to ground itself in experience.
Anecdotes:
- The analogy of the dissecting table: Dewey compares the old psychology to dissecting a machine, highlighting the limitations of a purely analytical approach to understanding the mind.
- The example of language: Dewey uses the development of language as a case study for the complexity of human experience and the need for a comprehensive understanding that considers its social, historical, and psychological dimensions.
Ideas:
- The need for a more holistic and dynamic understanding of the human mind: Dewey argues that the old psychology failed to adequately account for the complexity and interconnectedness of mental life.
- The importance of experimentation and observation: Dewey emphasizes the role of empirical methods in expanding our understanding of the human mind.
- The need to consider the influence of social and historical factors: Dewey stresses the importance of recognizing the role of the social and historical environment in shaping individual experience.
Facts and Findings:
- The essay does not present specific facts or findings. It focuses on the philosophical and methodological shift in psychology, not empirical results.
Points of View:
- First-person perspective: The essay is written from Dewey’s perspective, making him a clear advocate for the new psychology. This allows for direct and personal articulation of his ideas.
Perspective:
- The perspective of the new psychology: Dewey presents the new psychology as a more accurate and complete way of understanding the human mind than the old psychology. He argues that the new psychology is more realistic, ethical, and grounded in experience.