A Critical Approach to Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology: Soul, Self, and Science examines the evolving concept of human consciousness throughout the ages to show how humanity progressed from ‘studies of the soul’ – a major concern of ancient philosophy – to a science of the mind including the self – a primary concern of contemporary psychology.

Divided into five parts, the book moves through the history of psychology from its philosophical roots into the present day and beyond. It takes a balanced and critical approach to figures and theories which have been instrumental in the development of psychology as a discipline, such as Plato, Descartes, Wundt, Du Bois, Freud, Jung, Watson, Skinner, and Maslow. Throughout, it offers diverse perspectives on the field’s history, providing insights into such topics as race and intelligence, gender and personality, and their treatment within psychology. Each chapter is supported by breakout boxes highlighting key theories related to that chapter’s topic. Thought questions, to encourage the reader to critically evaluate what they have read, notes with further information, and suggestions for further reading are provided online.

Of particular interest to postgraduate students on MSc conversion courses, the book will also interest undergraduate students completing history of psychology, conceptual and historical issues in psychology, history and systems of psychology, and related modules. This textbook was designed to comply with the QAA Subject Benchmark Statement in Psychology and the BPS accreditation guidelines for content in Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology.