| Abstract: | "This treatise is intended primarily for those who have not already studied psychology, and now propose to give it thoughtful attention. It is therefore elementary, as its title indicates, and is introductory to the abundant and growing literature of the science. Though no previous acquaintance with the subject is requisite, yet as it can by no means be made light and easy, even an elementary treatise must presuppose mental maturity in the reader, and habits of thoughtful study. For him I have tried to prepare a statement of psychological doctrine broad and true, on which he may build by his own thinking and wider reading. If his occupations do not permit this, he will at least have acquired a rounded knowledge of the generally approved principles and chief features of the science. A reader already acquainted with the history and literature of psychology will find many familiar things restated. Let him remember that the treatise is for the novice. But he will find some familiar things modified, and some things new. A few may be indicated as follows: The material object immediately perceived; the argument for immediate perception; the modified view of intuition; the argument for duality; the relation of feeling to cognition; the character and place assigned to belief; the separation of feeling and desire; the defense of freedom in willing"--Preface. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2007 APA, all rights reserved). |
|---|