2812: Psychology Sep 1, 2024

The word psychology comes from the Greek root psyche (ψυχή), which originally meant ‘soul’ or ‘breath of life’. In ancient Greek philosophy and literature, psyche referred to the vital force that animated a living being, often associated with the soul's immortality. Early understandings of psychology were heavily influenced by this concept of the soul as something distinct from the body, encompassing both life force and human essence.

Over time, the meaning of psychology evolved to focus more on the human mind and its functions rather than the metaphysical or spiritual concept of the soul. During the Enlightenment and the development of modern science, there was a shift towards empiricism and observable phenomena. This led to psychology being redefined as the scientific study of the mind, behavior, and mental processes. The transformation of psychology from the "study of the soul" to the "study of the mind" reflects broader shifts in intellectual thought, from spiritual and metaphysical interpretations to rational and empirical inquiry.