At 05:51 AM 3/11/00 PST, Jeffrey Nagelbush wrote:
>However, if we truely need the supernatural to fully understand human
>beings, then science is not enough. In other words, if there are parts of
>us that are spirit or some other supernatural stuff, then there are parts of
>us that are not subject, even in principle, to a scientific understanding.
I think Jeff hits on a big point here, and one that I've been running
around in my mind for a bit. I think this ties in with some of the other
posts that have raised the question of what areas/topics does psychology
address. Within the field I think most of us feel that psychology as a
science addresses the naturalistic side of human nature and experience.
But, the perception in the general public (and to some extent within the
field) is that psychology should deal with ALL aspects of human nature and
experience (both natural and supernatural).
And for some reason, as a field, Psychology has trouble making a stand and
saying "This is not psychology." We tend to allow such a vast array of
issues to fall under our umbrella that it becomes harder and harder to keep
anything out. At some point, as a field, we will have to draw a line. Of
course, when attempts to draw these lines have happened in the past, we
immediately hear cries about the "division within psychology that will rip
apart the field" and how we must "unify the field." But, in my opinion, the
time is coming when we will have to make more than a symbolic division
which is all the APA/APS division has become at this point in my mind. It
will probably take the founding of a new discipline that breaks with some
of the roots that still bind APS to APA. In my opinion, the process has
started, but it still has a long way to go and short time to get there...
Okay, I'm starting to sound a little too revolutionary even for myself (not
to mention like a promo for Smokey and the Bandit). Time to go start
enjoying spring break...and grading that stack of mid-terms.
- Marc
G. Marc Turner, MEd
Lecturer & Head of Computer Operations
Department of Psychology
Southwest Texas State University
San Marcos, TX 78666
phone: (512)245-2526
email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
