Can Psychology really be considered a science?
Given human beings are so unpredictable, can psychology ever really be considered a science? It seems psychologists are often given too much credit in the courtroom and in the media. I get a big exasperated when they wheel out the latest "expert psychologist" on shows like Oprah or in courtrooms. One thing I have noticed personally, is that many of the psychologists and psychiatrists I've come across have a common theme of having had an abusive/challenging or otherwise turbulent childhood. There would appear to be a strong correlation between stormy childhoods and an attraction toward a career in psychology. This isn't meant as a putdown to psychologists or to demounce them as being unneccessary. In fact it could be argued that those who have experienced turbulent backgrounds are in a better positon to speak authoritively on the issue.
But as a society, should the opinions of psychologists be awarded the authority and respect of a science?
I was listening to a talk by
I was listening to a talk by Alan Watts and he touched upon something that
has remained with me. He says the fundamental nature of energy must
reveal something fundamental about the nature of psychology. Science
now reveals what mystics have been saying for thousands of years that
quite simply everything is made up of energy, that is sub-atomic particles.
So if our physical bodies are energetic in nature with our thoughts tagging
along then how we act and behave could be explained by taking a look at
how these subatomic particles behave. A cursory study of quantum physics
tells us that these subatomic particles can behave either as particles or waves.
That is they follow the normal laws of physics which are predictable and
deterministic or are totally random (wavelike) and who knows what will happen.
I think it's the same with us. We can be totally predictable and in many ways
the mind likes certainty. It likes to have everything mapped out where there
is no need for contigency. Conversely it also likes surprise unpredictability
magic and mystery. If everything were mapped out and you knew exactly
what was going to happen then why bother? Although when you look
at people nowadays it seems they are slaves to systems and structures.
There appears to be very little magic or mystery in everyday life.
Psychology per se is complex and the only reason this is so is because
the mind is complex; it is deceptive; it likes to avoid, it likes to satisfy
superficial desires and it goes on asking questions and intellectualising
over theories about how or why things are the way they are. I have no
concrete answers just insights gathered although I have to say psychology
as a subject has provided me with very little self insight.
Psychology is a science...
In my view, psychology is definitely a science. Whichever way you would like to describe science, modern psychology will fit. However, it is a far weaker science than many other areas of study. Too much philosophy is allowed to squeeze under the collective umbrella known as psychology. Also, the science of psychology often fails to make it into practice (although this is changing).
A lot of psychologists don't understand the principles of science. A large divide exists between though who study psychology (typically academics) and those who practice psychology.
I also agree with the above statement that psychological expert witness if often suspect but then, that is probably the case for a lot of expert witnesses. They may be experts in their field but the certainty that can be drawn from their views can vary greatly. But then, I suppose the legal system defends against this by having opposing expert witnesses. Too bad the media didn't do the same.
cheers, Dale