We can work on Psychology’s roots

Psychology’s roots have been attributed to the early Greek philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. The emergence of scientific thought began through the writings and teachings of Christian church scholars. One of the movements was based on Scholasticism, which was the attempt to bring theological thought to human reasoning. Thomas Aquinas was considered one of the major contributors to this school of thought. As we move through our studies in this course it is apparent that the major contributors to psychology stem from not only Classical Greek philosophy but a strong Western European Christian philosophy as well.

What is the importance of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle in understanding the foundations of psychology? Describe the similarities and differences among these three philosophers and how their philosophies compare and contrast with the philosophies of others, such as the Sophists.

How did early Christian scholars like Thomas Aquinas synthesize the Greek philosophy with Christian theological perspectives? What impact did Aquinas’ writings have on future philosophical thinking?

Why would it be important to expand our historical perspectives on psychology to include philosophical points of view from Eastern and Mid-Eastern cultures, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism?

Justify your answers with appropriate research and reasoning. Comment on the postings of at least two peers. Provide an analysis of each peer’s postings while also suggesting specific additions or clarifications for improving the discussion question response.

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Sample Answer

Early Christian scholars like Thomas Aquinas synthesized Greek philosophy with Christian theological perspectives through a process known as scholasticism. Scholasticism is a method of philosophical inquiry that seeks to reconcile Christian beliefs with the teachings of ancient Greek philosophers, such as Plato and Aristotle.

Aquinas was one of the most important figures in the development of scholasticism. He argued that the truths of faith and reason are not in conflict, but rather that they complement each other. He used the writings of Aristotle to provide a rational foundation for Christian beliefs, and he argued that the human soul is immortal and that it will be reunited with the body after death.

Aquinas’ writings had a profound impact on future philosophical thinking. His work was studied and debated by philosophers for centuries, and it continues to be influential today. His synthesis of Greek philosophy and Christian theology helped to shape the way that Western thinkers have understood the world, and his arguments for the immortality of the soul continue to be debated by philosophers and theologians.

Full Answer Section

Here are some of the similarities and differences between the philosophies of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle:

  • Similarities:
    • All three philosophers were interested in the nature of reality and the human condition.
    • They all believed that reason is the highest form of knowledge.
    • They all believed that the soul is immortal.
  • Differences:
    • Socrates was more interested in practical philosophy, while Plato and Aristotle were more interested in theoretical philosophy.
    • Socrates believed that the good life is achieved through virtue, while Plato believed that the good life is achieved through knowledge, and Aristotle believed that the good life is achieved through a combination of virtue and knowledge.
    • Socrates did not write any of his own works, while Plato and Aristotle wrote extensively.

Here are some of the similarities and differences between the philosophies of the Sophists and the early Christian scholars:

  • Similarities:
    • Both the Sophists and the early Christian scholars were interested in the nature of reality and the human condition.
    • They both believed that reason is important, but they disagreed about the role of reason in human life.
    • They both believed that the soul is immortal.
  • Differences:
    • The Sophists were more interested in the practical aspects of life, while the early Christian scholars were more interested in the theoretical aspects of life.
    • The Sophists believed that there are no absolute truths, while the early Christian scholars believed that there are absolute truths.
    • The Sophists were often critical of traditional values, while the early Christian scholars were defenders of traditional values.

It is important to expand our historical perspectives on psychology to include philosophical points of view from Eastern and Mid-Eastern cultures, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism, because these perspectives offer different ways of understanding the human mind and behavior. By expanding our horizons, we can gain a richer understanding of the human condition.

For example, the Hindu concept of atman, or the eternal self, offers a different perspective on the nature of the soul than the Christian concept of the soul. The Buddhist concept of anatta, or no-self, offers a different perspective on the nature of the self than the Western concept of the self. And the Confucian concept of ren, or humaneness, offers a different perspective on morality than the Western concept of morality.

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