James T. Lamiell Knihy

Focusing on the evolution of psychological thought regarding human individuality, this book highlights the significant contributions of William Stern, a German psychologist. It critiques the dominance of logical positivism in traditional psychology, advocating for a personalistic approach that values individual differences. By tracing the history of psychology from Wundt to contemporary practices, the author aims to foster a deeper understanding of Stern's insights and their relevance in modern scientific psychology, offering a fresh perspective on the subject.

Focusing on William Stern's critical personalism, this collection introduces his key ideas to English-speaking readers through original translations and essays. It emphasizes the philosophical foundations of Stern's personalistic psychology and critiques prevalent methodological trends of his time. Lamiell contextualizes these works by outlining critical personalism's core principles and discussing how mainstream psychological commitments have hindered Stern's vision, highlighting ongoing challenges for personalistic approaches in contemporary psychology.

Focusing on the comprehensive system of thought known as critical personalism, this insightful work provides contemporary psychologists and social theorists with an in-depth understanding of William Stern's contributions. It explores his unique perspectives on individuality and personal development, emphasizing the significance of personal experiences in shaping human behavior and thought. The book serves as a valuable resource for those looking to engage with Stern's ideas and their relevance in modern psychological discourse.

The book critiques the misinterpretation of statistical knowledge in psychology, arguing that reliance on aggregate data leads to flawed understandings of individual behavior. It traces the historical roots of this practice and highlights the persistent lack of change in mainstream psychology despite earlier critiques. The author emphasizes the socio-ethical consequences of this misinterpretation, advocating for a shift away from aggregate methods toward research techniques better suited for understanding individual psychological functioning. The conclusion presents alternative methodologies and addresses conceptual barriers to their adoption.

Although the German philosopher and psychologist William Stern (1871-1938) enjoyed wide renown in the early decades of the 20th century, very few contemporaries have any appreciable familiarity with his works. To the extent that his name is recognized at all, that is usually due to its historical connection with the concept of IQ, and this is all the more unfortunate because Stern´s work in that particular domain was something from which he eventually sought to distance himself. On the other hand, Stern´s greatest scholarly contribution, that comprehensive system of thought he called critical personalism, is one that could well be of great value to contemporary scholars. In particular, the distinction between persons and things, on which all of critical personalism rests, can serve to refine our understanding of the nature and limits of contemporary work in fields as diverse as personality studies and cognitive neuroscience. The present work is based on a series of public lectures given by the author when he was Ernst-Cassirer Guest Professor at the University of Hamburg in the summer semester of 2004. Its purpose is to provide contemporary readers with an introduction to William Stern that is both concise and accessible to lay persons and professionals alike.