Philosophy and Psychology

Philosophy 

Philosophy guides us in decision-making by comparing either side of a hypothetical situation based on logic and reasoning. This eliminates the impact of biased feelings. The subject aims to gather knowledge about deep-rooted problems in society by applying several methods.

One such method is thoughtful questioning that helps to eradicate the ignorant mindset of the social classes. This helps to increase tolerance and accept contradictory proposals that are replied to with thoughtful debates. Here, the common ultimate goal of the involved parties is to find the truth.

Next comes the inception of Socratic debate or critical questioning introduced by the Greek philosopher Socrates. This method followed the elimination of conflicting hypotheses by calmly sharing empirical information within the band. If a specific belief or identical characteristics come up repeatedly for the same situation, it is set as a fact. 

One popular way of establishing the truth is by organizing an argument between two or more two parties where they will challenge each other’s beliefs using proper logic and reasoning. This mechanism is also known as critique. Critique emphasizes the evolution of human minds over a long period. 

After concluding the facts, it needs to be systematically represented before a larger audience to claim acknowledgment. With time academic Philosophy was segregated into various specialized branches as the detailed investigation was felt necessary for further advancements. The various subjects which were derived from Philosophy are Psychology, Economics, Sociology, and Linguistics. 

Subfields of Philosophy 

Each subfield focuses on a distinct scope of the study. In the following discussion, we will talk about the five branches of Philosophy and understand their contribution to science. 

Metaphysics –This branch investigates reality beyond human perception. Metaphysics and Philosophy both are closely associated as the main objective remains understanding the existence and to be of the physical world. This discovers the first principles of Identification and change. 

Epistemology –This area of concern addresses the theory defining knowledge. It helps us in understanding the difference between a rationalistic belief and a vague judgment. 

Ethics –This philosophical subject tries to explain a person’s conduct according to his moral principles. Ethics guide a person to choose between right and wrong. 

Politics –This subject teaches us how agreements are made within a group of people in the forms of law to ensure justice. Politics is advanced learning of ethics. 

Aesthetics –Quality of art is assessed based on parameters defined by aesthetics. This field of study questions one’s taste of art and perception of natural beauty. 

Psychology 

Psychology is the area of study within Philosophy that deals with the complex processes of the human mind. While Philosophy is concerned with the state of human behavior, psychology attempts to find the reasons affecting various human actions.

There are two main objectives of psychologists, the first one is to understand the physiological procedures that affect conscious and unconscious human behaviours. The second area of study revolves around the social impact of individual behavioural patterns.

Visual perception based on brain imaging and processing of memory in the brain is studied in detail in cognitive psychology. It also describes how people assimilate information by hearing a specific language and acting accordingly. To make this possible the person must memorize the language before. After years of practicing psychologists treat mental health issues in medical and counseling settings. 

Difference between Philosophy and Psychology 

Philosophy reviews the existence of human physiological processes in the real world. Observational data is used to perform research and produce facts that are debated to find the truth. Psychology deals with statistical data-based research to understand the behaviours of the human mind. 

The realm of Philosophy extends beyond the practical world. Psychologists deal with daily human behaviours and counsel them in case of any deviation from the normal. 

Philosophy tends to motivate people to emphasize the positive aspects of life. Psychology tends to analyse individuals and furnish a scientific explanation of their behaviour. 

Philosophy has five distinct subfields of study namely –metaphysics, epistemology, aesthetics, ethics, and politics. 

Psychology is a subject derived from Philosophy and now it is considered to be a branch of Social Studies. 

Conclusion 

Philosophy focuses on the social acknowledgment of truth while psychology deals with individual behaviour. Philosophy is an ancient area of study that has developed through the centuries. On the contrary, psychology is a much newer concept that tries to explain the human mind in different situations based on observation and analysis. Psychology follows a more scientific approach as the research is carried out with the help of statistical data. Philosophical experiments are based on non-empirical observations over a while. About a couple of centuries ago, psychology did not exist across the world. All the questions related to the human mind were considered to be the problems of Philosophy.