The Importance of Zeitgeist in the Emergence of Modern Psychology

Evaluate the importance of
the zeitgeist in philosophy and
science to the emergence of
Modern Psychology

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY..................................................................................................................................3
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................6
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................7

INTRODUCTION
Zeitgeist is referred as the spirit of times which is generally a perspective or time’s ideology
which is dominant. This was considered as the structuralism in the early days and then in the
later days it was considered as the functionalism. Whether the primary perspective of the day is
anything, the zeitgeist is considered (Burchill, 2020). It is significant because it gives opportunity
to learn about the past human behaviour which is most relevant to the intellectual development
of an individual. The report is based on the role of zeitgeist in the modern psychology which
helps in its emergence. It will also focus on the contributions of various philosophers and the
empiricists in the modern psychology.
MAIN BODY
Zeitgeist is a German word which has a specific meaning Zeit-time and Geist means spirit
which makes and overall meaning of the word as the spirit of time, the general intellectual, moral
and cultural climate of an era. Zeitgeist influences the culture which can be manifested in the
expectations, attitudes and the assumptions regarding the creative people and the innovative
things. Zeitgeist is considered to be an overarching and hugely powerful force. Zeitgeist has not
only contributed in bringing creativity but many undesirable traits along with this. Creativity is
basically associated with certain forms of psychopathology. They also led to unconventional
behaviours and in some situation’s creativity. Zeitgeist is considered as the dominant perspective
or ideology of a time. In the earlier days of psychology, the Zeitgeist was considered on the basis
of structure as well as function which was also known as structuralism and functionalism. The
Zeitgeist theory of history focusses on the role of the situational factors as technology,
economics and social influences (Li, 2020).
Zeitgeist is basically a term which stands for the prevalent social climate or the spirit of
particular generation or time. Zeitgeist can be unfavourable or favourable for psychology in
different times and specific circumstances. For instance, the human sexuality is considered as the
subject of psychological studies. When psychology is considered as the scientific discipline, it
was worth booming. The psychological research was sponsored by the government which lead to
opening of new departments in university which resulted in creation of new faculty positions.
That time, various research seminars and national conferences were held. The social climate has
positive impact on the psychology as a discipline. The main problem was the charge which was
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