Module 1: Introduction to Psychology
1.1. Definition and History of Psychology

Psychology is a scientific discipline that studies human behavior and mental processes. It explores, analyzes and explains the mechanisms of thinking, perception, memory, emotions, personality development, interaction between people and other aspects of mental life.

The history of the development of psychology is the history of the development of the scientific study of human mental experience and behavior. The roots of psychology go deep into history, from the beginning of philosophical reflections on the nature of the mind and psychic phenomena.

Antiquity:

In ancient times, the interest in psychic phenomena was explored by ancient Greek philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle. They discussed the nature of the mind, perception, memory, and emotions.

Middle Ages:

During the Middle Ages in Europe, psychology was influenced by religion. The Church perceived psychological phenomena in the context of spirituality and spiritual life.

The Age of Enlightenment:

In the 17th and 18th centuries came the time of the Enlightenment, which focused on reason and rational thinking. Philosophers such as Rene Descartes and John Locke have formulated ideas about thinking, perception, and experience.

The emergence of psychology as a science:

At the end of the 19th century, psychology became an independent science. The most significant figures of this period are Wilhelm Wundt, founder of the psychology Laboratory in Leipzig, and William James, founder of the first American psychology laboratory at Harvard. They conducted experiments and research to understand the structure and function of consciousness.

Psychoanalysis:

In the early 20th century, Sigmund Freud developed a theory of psychoanalysis that focused on the study of the unconscious and its effects on behavior and mental disorders.

Behavioral Psychology:

The mid-20th century was a time for the development of behavioral psychology, which focused on the study of objectively measurable behavior and the conditions for its formation.

The Cognitive Revolution:

In the 1950s and 60s, the cognitive revolution took place, which introduced new ideas to psychology about cognitive processes, including perception, attention, language, and problem solving.

Modern psychology:

Currently, psychology is a broad interdisciplinary subject of study. It includes areas such as neuropsychology, social psychology, personality development, and clinical psychology. Interactive fields such as Internet psychology and cyberpsychology are also currently being explored.