History and Schools of Psychology (Paperback - 2022)

Genetic studies have proved valuable in every branch of science, and in psychology they have a special significance. Ever since man woke to the mystery of thought and began to make conjectures on the various changes that took place in his mind and body during conditions of sleep, wakefulness, dreams, etc., he has been making a constant progress in the field of psychology. Its history, however, cannot be traced further than the Greek times. The notions of Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, etc., concerning human psychology are even today being proved tenable. For instance, the present-day Gestalt Psychology that lays stress on form was originally conceived by Aristotle. It is, thus, obvious that despite the variations that appear between the theories and assumptions of modern psychologists and their ancient counterparts, a minute study will reveal elements of identity and relationship.

The present book is one such attempt, aiming at providing a brief history of psychology—beginning from the Greek period to the modern age. Although it studies the theories and concepts of eminent Western psychologists and various schools of psychology in detail and also provides a brief sketch of Indian psychology, the book aptly caters for the academic needs of students and teachers of the subject. It is concise and its language is simple and easily comprehensible. It acquaints the readers with the latest trend of questions set in university examinations by providing questions drawn from different examination papers at the end of each chapter. A thorough study of the present book will definitely bring to students a brilliant success. Even the teachers of psychology will find it ideal for reference.

Ram Nath Sharma, M.A., D.Phil., D.Litt., has been President: U.P. Philosophers Association for a decade; LMI: Indian Philosophical Association and Darshan Parishad; Director: Sri Aurobindo Research Institute; Chief Editor: Research Journal of Philosophy and Social Science; Head of the Department of P.G. Studies and Research at Meerut College for two decades. He has guided more than two dozen Ph.D. scholars. Dr. Sharma has authored more than one hundred research papers and an equal number of books in the field of Education and Psychology.

Rachana Sharma, M.A., Ph D., had been guiding retarded children and clinical psychologists in Delhi and providing counselling to parents. Since 2000 she has been working in the Department of Education, London, U.K. providing guidance and counselling to children of several races. She has utilised both her theoretical knowledge and practical experience in writing this book. Her Ph.D. work Hindu Techniques of Mental Health has been acclaimed both in the East and the West.