PPT: Introduction to Psychology | Psychology for UPSC Optional (Notes) PDF Download

 Page 1


Introduction 
to 
Psychology
Page 2


Introduction 
to 
Psychology
 
Psychology comes from the Greek words 
"Pysche" (soul) and "Logos" (study).
It has evolved from studying the soul to 
focusing on behavior and mental processes.
The field covers its meaning, nature, and 
various branches that explore the human mind 
and behavior.
Page 3


Introduction 
to 
Psychology
 
Psychology comes from the Greek words 
"Pysche" (soul) and "Logos" (study).
It has evolved from studying the soul to 
focusing on behavior and mental processes.
The field covers its meaning, nature, and 
various branches that explore the human mind 
and behavior.
Psychology as the Science of 
Soul, Mind, and Consciousness
A. Science of Soul
Ancient Greek philosophers viewed psychology as 
the study of the soul.
Plato and Aristotle pioneered this metaphysical 
approach.
Scientific Challenges
The metaphysical nature of the soul made scientific 
inquiry challenging.
Page 4


Introduction 
to 
Psychology
 
Psychology comes from the Greek words 
"Pysche" (soul) and "Logos" (study).
It has evolved from studying the soul to 
focusing on behavior and mental processes.
The field covers its meaning, nature, and 
various branches that explore the human mind 
and behavior.
Psychology as the Science of 
Soul, Mind, and Consciousness
A. Science of Soul
Ancient Greek philosophers viewed psychology as 
the study of the soul.
Plato and Aristotle pioneered this metaphysical 
approach.
Scientific Challenges
The metaphysical nature of the soul made scientific 
inquiry challenging.
B. Science of Mind
Emmanuel Kant and William James 
focused on mental processes.
However, the ambiguity of the mind posed 
difficulties in understanding its functions.
C. Science of Consciousness
Modern psychologists explored internal 
experiences.
Complexities arise from conscious, 
subconscious, and unconscious levels.
Page 5


Introduction 
to 
Psychology
 
Psychology comes from the Greek words 
"Pysche" (soul) and "Logos" (study).
It has evolved from studying the soul to 
focusing on behavior and mental processes.
The field covers its meaning, nature, and 
various branches that explore the human mind 
and behavior.
Psychology as the Science of 
Soul, Mind, and Consciousness
A. Science of Soul
Ancient Greek philosophers viewed psychology as 
the study of the soul.
Plato and Aristotle pioneered this metaphysical 
approach.
Scientific Challenges
The metaphysical nature of the soul made scientific 
inquiry challenging.
B. Science of Mind
Emmanuel Kant and William James 
focused on mental processes.
However, the ambiguity of the mind posed 
difficulties in understanding its functions.
C. Science of Consciousness
Modern psychologists explored internal 
experiences.
Complexities arise from conscious, 
subconscious, and unconscious levels.
Psychology as the Science of 
Behavior
A. Behavior the New Frontier
In the early 20th century, psychology shifted to 
being defined as the science of behavior.
J.B. Watson popularized this view, focusing on 
observable actions, supported by psychologists 
like McDougall and Pillsbury.
R.S. Woodworth joked that psychology lost its 
soul, mind, and consciousness but kept behavior.