Date of Award

Spring 8-1-1981

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Robert Levy

Second Advisor

Thomas Cadwallader

Third Advisor

Gordon Spies

Abstract

This thesis will be an historical project dealing with the early career of James Mark Baldwin, a very important figure in the development of modern experimental psychology out of the older philosophical psychology in the third quarter of the nineteenth century. The paper will focus on clarifying the specific details of Baldwin's early career and psychological work. This aim addresses the current need in the work of the history of psychology to establish an accurate picture of the historical events. This recovery and reconstruction of the historical data is pre-requisite to the more complete historical task. Gathering the raw historical data and placing it in a cohesive description of the scientist 1s career is an initial step in doing history. Subsequently, this work will enable that career to be incorporated into a better understanding of the development of the scientific discipline. Baldwin 1s significant role in the development of modern psychology has been obscured by the lack of generally available information about his career, scientific thought and influence. Our understanding of the history of modern psychology will be enhanced by the improved incorporation into psychology 1s history of Baldwin 1s role and the unique theoretical position which he represents. Prior to that more comprehensive task, the work of this paper is necessary in view of the current embryonic state of research in the history of psychology.

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