Purpose and Cognition
Edward Tolman and the Transformation of American Psychology

The book describes how Edward Tolman developed a theory of purposive behaviour within the behaviourist era of American psychology.

David W. Carroll (Author)

9781107553156, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 20 December 2018

282 pages, 19 b/w illus.
23 x 15 x 1.5 cm, 0.4 kg

'In sum, this book is rich with Edward C. Tolman's struggles to identify empirical phenomena that pointed future theoretical effort in new directions, as well as their impact on modern cognitive science. It will prove most interesting for the historians and students of the history of psychology, who will enjoy reading a work so well documented and written.' José M. Gondra, Journal of The History of the Behavioral Sciences

This book discusses the development of Edward Tolman's purposive behaviourism from the 1920s to the 1950s, highlighting the tension between his references to cognitive processes and the dominant behaviourist trends. It shows how Tolman incorporated concepts from European scholars, including Egon Brunswik and the Gestalt psychologists, to justify a more purposive form of behaviourism and how the theory evolved in response to the criticisms of his contemporaries. The manuscript also discusses Tolman's political activities, culminating in his role in the California loyalty oath controversy in the 1950s. Tolman was involved in a number of progressive causes during his lifetime, activities that drew the attention of both state legislators in California and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It treats Tolman's theoretical and political activities as emanating from the same source, a desire to understand the learning process in a scientific manner and to apply these concepts to improve the human condition.

Preface
Introduction
1. Growing up in New England
2. The Harvard milieu
3. Out West
4. A new formula for behaviorism
5. Purposive behaviorism
6. The turn toward operationism
7. 'A concern for social events'
8. Cognitive maps
9. The loyalty oath
10. The legacy of Edward Chace Tolman
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Neurosciences [PSAN], Cognition & cognitive psychology [JMR], Psychological theory & schools of thought [JMA]