Encyclopedic Dictionary of Bible and Theology

Psychomancy (from , soul, and prediction) is the pretended art of summoning the souls of the deceased, and learning the future by their communications; it is one of the branches of divination, or mantics. The ancients use only , a sorcerer of this kind, and , the place where such performances took place (oraculum animarum). … Continue reading “Psychomancy”

Psychology of Religion A scientific, descriptive study of mental life and behavior with special reference to religious activities. The aim of this study is not to criticize or evaluate religion (see Philosophy of Religion) but to describe its forms as they reflect the mental processes of men. As an extended chapter in the field of … Continue reading “Psychology of Religion”

psychology (Greek: psyche, soul; logos, doctrine) In the most general sense the science of the soul and its operations. The ancients, Aristotle and the medieval Scholastics, treated the whole matter together; but in modern times, owing to the development of experimental seiences, a distinction is made between empiric psychology which, by use of experimental method … Continue reading “Psychology”

Psychologists’ Fallacy The confusion of the standpoint of the psychologist with that of the subject upon whose introspective report the psychologist relies. See Wm. James, The Principles of Psychology, Vol. I, p. 196. — L.W. Fuente: The Dictionary of Philosophy

Psychologism (Ger. Psychologismus) The tendency of such philosophers as Hume, J. S. Mill and William James to approach philosophical problems, whether ethical, logical, aesthetic or metaphysical, from the stand-point of psychology. Psychologismus is used by Husserl and other German writers as a term of reproach which suggests the exaggeration of the psychological to the neglect … Continue reading “Psychologism”

Psychological Egoism See Egoism, Psychological. — C.A.B. Fuente: The Dictionary of Philosophy

Psychological Atomism Theory of the structure of mindany mental state is analyzable into simple, discrete components and that which the total mental state was produced by fusion and composition of the atomic states. See Associationism, Mind-Stuff Theory. — L.W. Fuente: The Dictionary of Philosophy

Psychoid Term applied by the German neo-vitalist, H. Driesch to the psychic factor which guides the growth of organisms. — L.W. Fuente: The Dictionary of Philosophy

psychoanalysis (Greek: psyche, soul; analuo, to analyze) A system of examining the soul, especially the faculty of memory, in order to discover possible experiences of the past which may account for present conditions, mental ailments, such as discouragement, weakness of will, anxieties, melancholy, inordinate fears, remorse. No doubt a scrutiny of the past helps one … Continue reading “psychoanalysis”

Psycho-Physical Problem (Gr. psyche, soul — physikos, physical) See Mind-Body Problem. Fuente: The Dictionary of Philosophy