Discussion 1- Week 1
Challenges Related to New Paradigms of Psychology
According to a common platitude, “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” According to Johann Lavater, an early psychological theorist in the mid- to late-1700s, however, it was possible to judge an individual’s personality by his or her facial features. Lavater originated the psychological practice of physiognomy, which attempted to pinpoint personality traits through examination of such features as the shape of the nose (Benjamin, 2019). Lavater’s theory gained some popularity, spurring others such as Cesare Lombroso to write about what facial features constituted a “criminal type,” among other assertions. Yet, by the early 1900s, the study of physiognomy was on the wane and even incited controversy over allegations of racial profiling. What challenges did these theorists face, and why did they fail to see the shortcomings inherent in their theories?
For this Discussion, select one individual or group of individuals who changed the paradigm of psychology between ancient times and the early 1800s. Consider challenges these individuals faced in developing the new paradigm. Focus on the inherent irony that a discipline focused on human behavior through scientific inquiry sometimes failed to see its own shortcomings and overcome challenges.
Post a brief description of your chosen individual and the new paradigm of psychology he or she introduced. Then, explain challenges your selected individual or individuals faced in developing this new paradigm of psychology.
Required Readings
Benjamin, L. T. (2019). A brief history of modern psychology (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Wiley.
- Chapter 1, “Pre-Scientific Psychology” (pp. 4-16)
Fancher, R. E. (2000). Lock, John. In A. E. Kazdin (Ed.), Encyclopedia of psychology, Vol. 5 (pp. 66–68). Washington, D. C. American Psychological Association.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
Hoskovcová, S., Hoskovec, J., Plháková, A., Sebeck, M., Švancara, J., & Vobořil, D. (2010). Historiography of Czech psychology. History of Psychology, 13(3), 309–334.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
Kato, H. (2005). Zen and psychology. Japanese Psychological Research, 47(2), 125–136.
Zen & Psychology by Kato, H., in Japanese Psychological Research, 47/2.
Copyright 2005 by John Wiley & Sons-Journals. Reprinted by permission of John Wiley & Sons-Journals via the Copyright Clearance Center.
