Psychology and Philosophy - Uneasy Siblings

Contrary to this we have the view (mostly the prevailing view) that philosophy is

an intellectual discipline which has little or nothing to do with anyone's striving to achieve some form of personal, psychic fulfillment. Add to this the fact that most people who work in philosophy (e.g. academic philosophers or professors of philosophy) are not especially noteworthy for lives of psychic well-being. In this regard, think of people like Blaise Pascal, S. Kierkegaard, F. Nietzsche and Ludwig Wittgenstein. How psychologically healthy and well balanced were they? They were emotionally and mentally tormented, and won't be mentioned much as models of psychic calm and well-being. Moreover, some philosophers are driven to engage in philosophy, much like artists, poets, and composers are driven to do their creative work. Here we have a form of psychological compulsion that does not seem to be a form of therapy. In fact, some people even refer to philosophy as a type of disease.

Closing Thoughts:

The student of philosophy usually is not a psychologist, but nothing says that the student cannot proceed as a psychologist of sorts. I imagine situations in we attempt to get clear about our thoughts and values; and attempt to be honest about our motivations for all that we do. People used to say back in the 1960s era: I'm just trying to get my "head straight."

Suppose that a psychologist can tell me about the causes, the mental processes, and hidden motives that underlie my thinking and behavior. He might say that in order to truly understand what I am about I must have some understanding of these "psychological" things; i.e., I must acknowledge and expose them. If I were to accept his advice and try to do those things, would I be acting in accordance with the Socratic maxim to "know thyself"?

The professional is concerned with empirical, descriptive psychology and with research into neurological and psychological processes. But we, the amateurs, are primarily indulging a form of folk psychology: Trying to say what I think about my own thinking. Or trying to deal better with my psychic life. Sometimes I apply this 'folk psychology' to myself (I try to figure out what I'm about) or to others (I try to understand their motives for saying such and such or doing so and so.)

On a more practical level, we can imagine someone asking: "What do I really want in life? How do I get there?" Can philosophy help us here? Maybe not, but then again think of two of our great figures in Western Philosophy, Socrates and Spinoza. They are often cited as models of psychological harmony and wisdom. Ultimately, aren't we all psychologists to some degree, even those of us who flounder about in philosophy? Yes, we are to some degree 'psychologists' insofar as we are awake, alert, conscientious, and honestly engage in self-examination. This does not need to be kept separate from our work in philosophy.

Dr. Juan Bernal PhD is a retired mainframe programmer with degrees in philosophy and Spanish literature.

Juan is the a managing blogger & author at PhilosophyLounge.com which covers various topics from western philosophy, religion, and history. PhilosophyLounge.com is a place were people can interact, debate, and contribute to the topics that interest them pertaining to philosophy.

Take some time and visit the blog for more exciting articles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Juan_Bernal

Psychology and Philosophy - Uneasy Siblings

By: Jean Helme

POST COMMENT

The Divisions of Philosophy What to look for when buying bridal lingerie? Say It In Words Maidenly Pleasures Eastern Philosophy Contribute To The Da Vinci Code Controversy? Ancient Philosophy And Types Of Personality Confucius And Chinese Philosophy 2012 - Prophecy Or Hype? Barbell Exercises: You Can Build Your Chest, Thighs, Shoulders, & Abdomen! Finding A Great Lingerie Of The Month Club Naughty Lingerie Underwear The Philosophy Of Winning In Trading The Forex Market -the Sure Way To Become A Successful Trader Promoting To Article Submission Service