In Michael Wertheimer's "A Brief History of Psychology," readers are taken on a comprehensive journey through the development of psychology as a field of study. The book starts by delving into the ancient roots of psychology, exploring its origins in philosophy and examining the contributions of influential thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, and Descartes.
Wertheimer then guides readers through the birth of modern psychology, discussing how it emerged as a separate discipline with the advent of experimental methods and the establishment of the first psychological laboratories. This exploration of psychology's evolution provides a solid foundation for understanding the field today.
What sets Wertheimer's book apart is its balanced approach to presenting the various psychological theories. From behaviorism to psychoanalysis, cognitive psychology to humanistic psychology, each major theoretical framework is summarized concisely, allowing readers to grasp the diversity of perspectives within the field. The author also introduces the key figures associated with each theory, providing context and insight into their lives and ideas.
Available on Audible
Wertheimer's writing style is clear and engaging, weaving together historical and biographical information to bring the subject matter to life. By including anecdotes and personal stories, he makes the material more accessible and relatable, capturing the reader's attention and enhancing understanding.
Overall, "A Brief History of Psychology" is a valuable resource for students, professionals, and anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the historical foundations and major developments in psychology. The book's structure and informative content make it an enjoyable and enlightening read. Whether one is new to the field or looking to expand their knowledge, Wertheimer's book provides a comprehensive overview that is both educational and engaging.
What are readers saying?
The book "A Brief History of Psychology" by Michael Wertheimer has received mixed feedback from readers. Overall, the book provides a comprehensive overview of the field of psychology, but some felt that it lacked depth and oversimplified certain topics.
Many reviewers appreciated the book's concise format and found it to be a helpful introduction to the history of psychology. They praised Wertheimer for his clear writing style and ability to present complex theories in an accessible manner. Several readers also commended the book for including important figures and their contributions to the field.
However, some readers found the book to be too simplistic and lacking in depth. They felt that it did not explore the complexities and nuances of psychological theories and concepts. According to these reviewers, the book provided more of a superficial overview rather than a comprehensive history of psychology.
Furthermore, some readers pointed out that the book is outdated. Since its publication in 1992, there have been significant advancements in the field of psychology that are not addressed in the book. This lack of up-to-date information made the book feel less relevant to some readers.
Despite these criticisms, many readers still found value in "A Brief History of Psychology." Some praised it as a good starting point for beginners in the field or as a refresher for those already familiar with the subject. Overall, while the book may lack depth and be outdated for some readers, it still serves as a helpful introductory resource for understanding the history of psychology.
PsychologyHistory BriefHistory PsychologyBook