Last Updated on 15.08.2026 by Zulfahmi M
Looking at the Word Psychology:
From Ancient to Modern Meanings
The word psychology has had several
different meanings from ancient to modern times. Here is its present
definition: Psychology is the science that studies the behavior of
organisms.
different meanings from ancient to modern times. Here is its present
definition: Psychology is the science that studies the behavior of
organisms.
Three words in the definition merit
special attention: (1) science, (2) behavior, and (3) organisms. Modern
psychology is considered a science because it bases its conclusions on data,
information obtained by systematic observations. Behavior has three aspects:
(1) cognitive processes, (2) emotional states, and (3) actions. Cognitive processes
refer to what an individual thinks. Emotional states refer to what an individual
feels. Actions refer to what an individual does.
special attention: (1) science, (2) behavior, and (3) organisms. Modern
psychology is considered a science because it bases its conclusions on data,
information obtained by systematic observations. Behavior has three aspects:
(1) cognitive processes, (2) emotional states, and (3) actions. Cognitive processes
refer to what an individual thinks. Emotional states refer to what an individual
feels. Actions refer to what an individual does.
An organism is any living creature.
Consequently, the behavior of dogs, rats, pigeons, and monkeys can be
legitimately included in the study of psychology. Such organisms have indeed
been subjects in psychology experiments. However, traditionally the principal
focus of psychology has been humans. When animals are used in experiments, the
implicit goal is often to explore how such basic processes as learning and
motivation, as studied in animals, can cast a light on our understanding of
human behavior.
Although you now know the modern
definition of psychology, it is important to realize that the word psychology
has its roots in ancient meanings associated with philosophy. The Greek word psyche
means soul. Consequently, to philosophers living 400 to 300 B.C., psychology
was the ―study of the soul. This was the meaning given by Socrates,
Plato, and Aristotle. In view of the fact that these thinkers, particularly
Socrates and Plato, did not believe that animals have souls, it becomes evident
why for many centuries psychology‘s main attention has been given to human
beings. The ancient philosophers asserted that the soul is the seat of consciousness.
It is consciousness that makes mental life possible. This is why
psychology is often thought of as the science of the mind. Indeed, this meaning
is the one given to it by William James, the dean of American psychologists.
Working at Harvard a little more than one hundred years ago, James defined
psychology as ―the science of mental life. He believed that the purpose of
psychology should be to investigate such mental processes as thinking, memory,
and perception.
Although psychology no longer is thought
of as the study of the soul, this original meaning colors our present-day
approach, with its emphasis on human behavior and the importance of cognition.
Contemporary scientific psychology has four explicit goals: describe, explain,
predict, and control behavior
(adopted from
www.rawanonline.com/Psychology-A-Self-Teaching-Guide-English).
www.rawanonline.com/Psychology-A-Self-Teaching-Guide-English).
(Sumber: Catatan dari English for Student of Psychology)
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