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Theoretical Issues in Psychology
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Theoretical Issues in Psychology
An Introduction

Third Edition


May 2013 | 416 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
Bem and de Jong present complex ideas in an accessible manner. Theoretical Issues in Psychology gives undergraduate psychology students all the resources they need to begin reflecting on the most pressing conceptual issues in their discipline.
- Stuart Wilson, Queen Margaret University

The 3rd edition of Theoretical Issues in Psychology provides an authoritative overview of the conceptual issues in psychology which introduces the underlying philosophies that underpin them.

It includes new insights across the philosophy of science combined with increased psychological coverage to show clearly how these two communities interrelate, ensuring an integrative understanding of the fundamental debates and how they link to your wider studies. Key features of this new edition include:
  • Concise paragraphs, multiple examples and additional summaries throughout to help you focus on key areas of knowledge.
  • Textboxes with definitions and key concepts to help your understanding of the main debates and ideas.
  • New content on the philosophy of mind, philosophy of science, cognition and cognitive neuroscience.
  • New up-to-date material on consciousness and evolutionary psychology.
  • For lecturers and teachers, PowerPoint slides are available for each chapter.

Sacha Bem & Huib Looren de Jong's textbook remains essential for students taking courses in conceptual and historical issues in psychology, the philosophy of psychology or theoretical psychology.

 
Chapter 1. Science: why, and how? Some Basic Concepts in Scientific Method
 
Chapter 2. Kinds of Explanations: Laws, Interpretations and Functions
 
Chapter 3. Philosophy of Science (1): Logical Positivism and its Failure
 
Chapter 4. Philosophy of Science (2): Criticism and Alternatives to Positivism
 
Chapter 5. Sociology and Psychology of Science
 
Chapter 6. Introducing Philosophy of Mind, Brain and Cognition
 
Chapter 7. Modern Approaches to Mind (1): The Language-based view: Functionalism and the Computational Theory of Mind
 
Chapter 8. Modern Approaches to Mind (2): The Brain-based view: Neurophilosophy, Connectionism and Dynamicism
 
Chapter 9. The Extended Mind: Biology, Body, and Environment
 
Chapter 10. Consciousness and Free Will

Bem and de Jong present complex ideas in an accessible manner. Theoretical Issues in Psychology gives undergraduate psychology students all the resources they need to begin reflecting on the most pressing conceptual issues in their discipline.

Stuart Wilson
Queen Margaret University

From the debates in psychosomatic health to consciousness working mechanisms, and from neuro connectionism to social interactionism, the authors of this text have adopted a variety of perspectives to evaluate well-known psychological theories and contemporary studies. The clear structure of this book, along with the use of multiple real-life examples, will make it easy and enjoyable to use.

Kirk Chang
University of Salford

This was a really good read and a really excellent introduction to the subject matter. I thought that the definition boxes were great. I brilliant introduction to philosophy.

Ms Joanne Clough
Law, Northumbria University
February 27, 2015

This book forms the basis of seminar discussions.

Dr Sena Quaye
Department of Psychology, Bucks New University
February 5, 2015

Good for keen students

Mrs Melanie West
Department of Psychology, Newman University
October 23, 2014

As an introductory text this book has the challenge of explaining complex theoretical issues. It is aided by the accessible layout and an engaging writing style. It is supplemented by a helpful glossary of key terms. A key text for students who are keen to further their understanding of the philosophical underpinnings of psychology.

Ms Donna Peach
Department of Social Work, Salford University
June 24, 2014

Some aspects of this book were too specific for education students, I may use it as a reference copy for myself but not as a recommended reader for students.

Mrs Melanie Mackinder
Early years Education, Bishop Grosseteste Univ.
April 7, 2014

This is an excellent additional text to my module Psychological Perspectives on the Self. It addresses most complex issues of the self and students benefit from the high level overview and analysis that this text offers.

Dr Tatiana Bachkirova
Mangement and Organisational Studies, Oxford Brookes University
November 12, 2013

This books gives a good insight into the theoretical and methedological challanges facing psychology today and supplements the other books in the course well.

Dr Linda Fisher-Hoyrem
Seksjon for teologi og sammfunnsvitenskapligefag, Ansgar Teologiske Hoyskole
October 21, 2013

This is a very well written text, but one that is too specific to the field of academic psychology for my (more clinically focussed) module

Mr Armin Luthi
Fac of Health & Social Care Sciences, Kingston University
September 23, 2013

For instructors

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