The Death and Rebirth of Psychology by Ira Progoff (Vintage 1969 Hardcover)

Description

The Death and Rebirth of Psychology by Ira Progoff is a book about the history and philosophy of psychology. Progoff argues that psychology has lost its way in recent years, becoming too focused on quantitative research and statistical analysis at the expense of qualitative research and the study of human experience. He calls for a “rebirth” of psychology, one that is more concerned with helping people to live meaningful and fulfilling lives.

Progoff begins the book by tracing the history of psychology, from its early days as a branch of philosophy to its current status as a scientific discipline. He argues that psychology has always been at odds with itself, torn between its scientific aspirations and its humanistic roots. In the 20th century, this tension came to a head, with the rise of behaviorism and other quantitative approaches to psychology. These approaches led to significant advances in our understanding of human behavior, but they also came at a cost. Progoff argues that by focusing on measurable variables, behaviorism lost sight of the whole person and their unique experiences.

In the second half of the book, Progoff calls for a “rebirth” of psychology. He argues that we need to develop a new approach to psychology that is more concerned with helping people to live meaningful and fulfilling lives. This new psychology would be based on a qualitative understanding of human experience, and it would draw on insights from a variety of disciplines, including philosophy, religion, and literature.

Progoff’s book is a challenging and thought-provoking read. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and philosophy of psychology, or in the future of this important discipline.