History and Systems of Psychology

Essay Assignment #2

Due Thursday, February 12, 2009

We have discussed three major epistemologies (ways of knowing truth):

• rationalism
• empiricism (including both personal experience and scientific empiricism)
• authority 

In a typed paper, about 5 pages in length, discuss the following:

Track the use of these three major epistemologies through (1) the Greek philosophers (Plato and Aristotle); (2) the Middle Ages; (3) the Enlightenment; and (4) the Romantic critique.  Identify the major epistemology or epistemologies of each of the 4 eras/groups.

How are your beliefs about people, psychology, and faith affected by Enlightenment (modern) views?  By the Romantic (postmodern) critique?

Format:

Please use a cover page, and type the body of your paper in TNR 12-pt font with 1” margins, double-spaced throughout.  The page requirement does not include the cover page.