From Mysticism To Rationalism - A Necessary Change For Psychology
The early Greek philosophers affected psychology because they challenged the traditional church and began to explore our world with rationality instead of blind faith. They questioned the authority and traditions of their time. They looked for answers that could be observed in the natural world. For example, Hunt (1993) writes, Alcmaeon suggested that the brain, rather than organs such as the heart, is where thinking and processing occur. Hunt also writes that Hippocrates believed that answers regarding mental dysfunction would be found in the natural world instead of within gods, demons and evil spirits. These philosophers have initiated changes and have encouraged the freedom for future scientists to explore our world. Thus, this has enhanced our knowledge base.
We have knowledge based on normal brain functioning and also have a better understanding of mental illness. We know now that neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine have an affect on mood. Knowledge such as this was initiated because of our forefathers in philosophy and psychology. We must remember and be grateful for people like Hippocrates. He helped initiate that change or shift in thought from mysticism to rationalism. Before, people believed mental illness was possession by evil spirits. In fact, some people today still do believe in that way.
I believe that the Greek philosophers also have influenced psychology in positive ways that we view society. They have given us the courage to challenge tradition and stereotypes. For example, with the introduction of rationalism and science, I believe society has made some significant advances. For example, racism, sexism and heterosexism have been exposed. Homosexual men and women have more rights and continue to attain more rights with time. Women have more freedoms as well as other minority groups. However, psychology also is now beginning to explore the process of internalized homophobia, sexism and racism. So we still have much to learn to make society even better.
They have influenced my chosen specialty because I want to use my knowledge in psychology to challenge cultural traditions and challenge stereotypes that exist in our world that affect minority groups. I have mainly chosen to work with the gay community. I have a masters degree in counseling and I work with individuals with substance abuse and HIV/AIDS. A challenge working with this population is dealing with the shame that my clients carry. My clients talk about feeling dirty less. I hear stories of how their family members tell them to wash their hands or won’t take a sip from their drinking glass because of fear of catching HIV. We have so much information on the spread of HIV yet people still cling to old, false beliefs preconceptions. This is why I am in the field of psychology. I love working with minority populations and helping others achieve freedom and personal success in a society that can and continues to be oppressive.
References
Hunt, M. (1993). The Story of Psychology. New York: Random House, Inc.
Barry Aneda is a National Certified Counselor and a Licensed Associate Counselor working with our GLBTQ community in the field of Addictions and HIV/AIDS.
For more information you can reach him at http://www.barryaneda.com Then, in order to visit his virtual office, simply click the link titled Visit My Virtual office.
Tags: Greek Philosophers, psychology
Related Posts
- A Little Anger Can Be Challenging, Motivating - And Also Very Effective
- Dream Interpretation And The Darkness Of Ignorance
- Start With Cabinet Hardware For Your Bathroom Remodel (via Cobweb/3.1 Planetlab2.netlab.uky.edu)
- Change Your Attitude And Change Your Life By Hiring A Motivational Humorous Speaker
- The Impact Of Collaboration On Productivity