Noen Inntrykk Fra Tysk Psykologi i Dag

Click to increase image sizeClick to decrease image size

SUMMARY

Prior to 1933 Germany held a leading position in international psychology. This article attempts to trace developmental trends in German psychology from 1933–63, a field of which little is known abroad. Some characteristics of contemporary German psychology are discussed with especial reference to the Verstehen- and Ganzheit schools which originate from the 1920's.

In West Germany psychology today is eclectic. Research is proceeding in a wide range of areas and is typically less theory-bound than American psychology. The philosophical basis for psychological problems is often discussed before empirical research is begun.

In East Germany psychology is dogmatically based on dialectic materialism. The reasons for banning psychoanalysis, social psychology and until recently, psychological testing are mentioned. There is intense concern with the historical and philosophical foundations of scientific psychology. East German views on Western psychology are discussed. Research is mainly concentrated on mathematical and physiological psychology.

In conclusion it is suggested that at present there are no dominant schools or leading ideas comparable to those prior to 1933. There are, however, in the philosophies of Marx, Husserl and Heidegger ideas which may revolutionize future psychological thought and practice.