Infusing Humanistic Perspectives into Psychology

Abstract

This article advocates giving impetus to a process already underway: mainstream psychology implicitly paying heed to humanistic values. Changes in the prevailing philosophical paradigm will follow further infusion of values, introduced through practical action rather than through argument. These practices include using language appropriate to humans, conducting qualitative research, grounding professional ethics in social philosophy, serving in professional organizations, disseminating a philosophy of psychology appropriate for humans, and publishing humanistic work. The latter could include a traditionally organized introduction to a psychology textbook that integrates mainstream material within a human-science/humanistic frame.

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