Common Principles in Psychology and Physiology

Originally published in 1928, this book argues that the divide between psychology and physiology is largely artificial.

John T. MacCurdy (Author)

9781107626164, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 5 December 2013

304 pages
24.9 x 16.9 x 1.6 cm, 0.8 kg

Originally published in 1928 as part of the Cambridge Psychological Library, this book argues that the divide between psychology and physiology is largely artificial, and that each discipline can contribute to further understanding of the other. MacCurdy applies conclusions drawn from behavioural psychology to physiological phenomena, and discusses phenomena of the nervous system in an attempt to create a vocabulary 'in which all the phenomena of living matter can be discussed'. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in the overlap of psychology and the more physical sciences.

Preface
Part I. Psychological Patterns: 1. Introduction
2. Definitions of 'images'
3. 'Patterns'
4. The construction of primitive mental patterns
5. The primary function of consciousness
6. The evolution of intelligence
7. Appetite and interest
8. Attention
9. Perception
10. Meaning
11. Recognition
12. Voluntary recall
13. Laws of patterns as deduced from psychology
Part II. Physiological Patterns: 14. The basic functions of the nervous system
15. Imaginal processes in nervous functions
16. Mechanistic explanations
17. Anatomical designs
18. Spinal shock
19. Inhibition
20. The effects of strychnine on the central nervous system
21. Biological patterns: preformism and epigenesis
22. Biological patterns: the evolution of specialized tissue
23. Growth patterns
24. Biological patterns. Imaginal processes
25. The development of the nervous system
26. Summary of physiological patterns
27. Concluding remarks
Index.

Subject Areas: Psychology [JM]