You will focus on the debate between the personalistic and naturalistic positions in scientific history, and how the concept of zeitgeist relates to each of these concepts. You will apply these concepts to the philosophical viewpoints that directly preceded the emergence of modern psychology.
Prepare a paper in which you define the personalistic and naturalistic positions in scientific history, and how the concept of zeitgeist relates to these positions. Then, choose one of the following philosophers to focus on Descartes, Comte, Berkeley, Hume, Hartley, James Mill, or John Stuart Mill and explain why you think the emergence of his ideas is best described by the personalistic or naturalistic position.
To assist you further in putting this in perspective, consider the following quote from psychology historian Edwin Boring:
"You get the personalistic view when you ignore the antecedents of the great man, and you get the naturalistic view back again when you asked what made the great man great" (Boring, 1950, p. 339).
Reference
Boring, E.G. (1950). Great men and scientific progress.Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, 94, 339-351.
Include in your submission a sample of the grid (see Heads up on the Signature Assignment) or other note-taking tool that you plan to use as you analyze key ideas in the history of psychology throughout this course.
Your paper should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course and provide new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic.
Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards. Be sure to adhere to Northcentral University's Academic Integrity Policy.