Re-Envisioning Psychology: Moral Dimensions of Theory and Practice

by Frank C. Richardson, Blaine J. Fowers, Charles B. Guignon

In the twentieth century, the practice of psychology has usually been based on a scientific or objective theory of human behavior. Today, an influential countermovement, often called social constructionism, argues that there is no basis for our beliefs or values beyond the swirl of meanings and practices in a particular community or era. Re-envisioning Psychology examines the increasing dissatisfaction with both scientific and social constructionist...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0787943843
• ISBN13: 9780787943844
• Release Date: March 1999
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Wonderful Book - Necessary Reinvisioning!

Richardson, Fowers, and Guignon present a quite readable and fantastic critique of prevailing assumptions and problematics in psychology. They also present a wonderful hermenetically-inspired alternative to the problematic paradigm. My only critique of this critique is that they do not go far enough in presenting applications (especially for clinical psychology) of the alternative conceptualization. I recommend that any interested in alternative perspectives on the prevailing linear, deterministic paradigm in psychology purchase a copy of this book.

Should be required reading in psychology!

Richardson, Fowers, and Guigon present a readable piece of apt criticism for psychology. Like many other philosophers of social science and laypersons, RFG contend that mainstream psychology has relied inappropriately on the methodology of the natural sciences in an effort to gain prestige. Consequently, psychology simply perpetuates current sociocultural understandings of psychological phenomena as scientific facts. The problems inherent in this approach are illustrated with a fascinating review of research on aggression and marital therapy, respectively. A hermeneutic alternative to psychological inquiry is provided. Beautifully written! It is also respectful criticism. An important piece for a field that is unwilling to admit the role of moral, political, and economic influences on its findings.