Historical Dimensions of Psychological Discourse

In this volume, prominent American and European scholars explore the historical shaping of psychological discourse. Speaking from several disciplinary standpoints, contributors focus on the ideological, intellectual, political, economic, and literary forces that enter into the cultural construction of mental life. In its explorations, the volume not only challenges the reality of the unquestioned world of everyday life, but raises fundamental questions concerning the potential of psychological science to establish historically-independent knowledge of mental process. Contributions variously cover the emotions, cognition, the concept of child development, psychotherapy, gender differences, and knowledge. Additional chapters represent first-hand accounts of historical change in psychological movements.