An Argument for Mind

In this elegantly written book, Jerome Kagan melds the history of the field of psychology during the past 50 years with the story of his own research efforts of the same period and an analysis of what he terms “the currently rocky romance between psychology and biology.” As Kagan unwinds his own history, he reveals the seminal events that have shaped his career and discusses how his assumptions have changed. With full appreciation for the contributions to psychology of history, philosophy, literature, and neuroscience, he approaches a wide range of fascinating topics, including:

·   the abandonment of orthodox forms of behaviorism and psychoanalysis
·   the forces that inspired later-twentieth-century curiosity about young children
·   why B. F. Skinner chose to study psychology
·   why the study of science less often ignites imaginations today
·   our society’s obsession with erotic love
·   the resurgence of religious fanaticism and the religious Right

Embedded in Kagan’s discussions is a rejection of the current notion that a mature neuroscience will eventually replace psychology. He argues that a complete understanding of brain is not synonymous with a full explanation of mind, and he concludes with a brief prediction of the next five decades in the field of psychology.

Jerome Kagan is professor of psychology emeritus, Harvard University, and was co-director of the Mind/Brain/Behavior Interfaculty Initiative at Harvard.

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