Exam 7: Functionalism: Development and Founding

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Herbert Spencer was a prominent philosopher and sociologist who made significant adaptations and extensions to Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Spencer coined the phrase "survival of the fittest," which he used to describe the process of natural selection and the idea that only the strongest and most adaptable individuals would survive and thrive in a given environment. He also applied this concept to human society, arguing that competition and struggle were necessary for progress and improvement.

Spencer's philosophy, particularly his concept of social Darwinism, became popular in the United States for several reasons. First, it provided a scientific justification for the prevailing social and economic inequalities of the time. By arguing that the wealthy and powerful were simply the most fit and deserving individuals, social Darwinism helped to legitimize the vast disparities in wealth and opportunity that existed in American society.

Additionally, Spencer's ideas resonated with the American ethos of individualism and self-reliance. His emphasis on competition and the survival of the fittest aligned with the American belief in the power of hard work and determination to achieve success. Furthermore, his theories were used to justify imperialism and colonialism, as they provided a rationale for the dominance of Western nations over non-Western societies.

Overall, Spencer's adaptations and extensions of the theory of evolution, particularly his concept of social Darwinism, were popular in the United States because they provided a scientific veneer for existing social hierarchies and inequalities, while also aligning with the prevailing values of individualism and competition.

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Functionalism was founded as a response to the limitations of structuralism, which was the dominant school of thought in psychology at the time. While structuralism focused on the structure of the mind and sought to identify the basic elements of consciousness, functionalism sought to understand the purpose and function of mental processes.

The founding of functionalism was different from that of Titchener's structuralism in several ways. Firstly, while Titchener's structuralism was heavily influenced by the introspective method, which relied on individuals reporting their own conscious experiences, functionalism emphasized the use of more objective methods such as observation and experimentation. Additionally, functionalism was more concerned with the practical applications of psychology, such as how mental processes helped individuals adapt to their environment, while structuralism was more focused on understanding the structure of consciousness for its own sake.

Two key figures in the founding of functionalism were Edward Titchener and William James. Titchener, a prominent structuralist, contributed to the emergence of functionalism by sparking criticism and opposition to his own ideas. His emphasis on introspection and the study of the structure of consciousness led to a backlash from other psychologists who believed that psychology should focus on the functions of the mind rather than its structure.

William James, on the other hand, is often considered the father of functionalism. His influential book, "The Principles of Psychology," laid the foundation for the functionalist approach by emphasizing the importance of studying the mind in terms of its adaptive functions. James argued that mental processes should be understood in terms of their practical utility in helping individuals adapt to their environment and achieve their goals.

Another important contributor to functionalism was John Dewey, whose work in philosophy and psychology helped shape the functionalist perspective. Dewey emphasized the importance of studying the mind in its natural context, and he advocated for a more holistic approach to understanding mental processes. His ideas about the interconnectedness of thought and action and the importance of studying the mind in relation to its environment were influential in shaping the functionalist approach.

In summary, the founding of functionalism represented a shift away from the introspective and structural approach of Titchener's structuralism, and towards a more practical and objective understanding of the mind. Titchener's emphasis on the structure of consciousness and introspection sparked opposition and criticism, while the contributions of James and Dewey helped shape functionalism as an emerging school of thought focused on the adaptive functions of the mind.