Transpersonal Psychology: Its Several Virtues
Humanistic Psychologist February 1, 1992 DOI: 10.1080/08873267.1992.9986796 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Historical analysis Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that transpersonal psychology's virtues outweigh its defects, despite weaknesses such as philosophical naivety and poor financing, and that its integrated approach points to new trends beyond the neuroscientific revolution. |
Abstract
Abstract A history of humanistic and transpersonal psychology is presented as a backdrop to examining both the weak and the strong points of transpersonal psychology proper. On the negative side, transpersonal psychology can be faulted for being philosophically naive, poorly financed, at times almost anti‐intellectual, and frequently overrated as far as its influences. On the plus side, it presents an integrated approach to understanding 1)the phenomenology of scientific method, 2) the centrality of qualitative research for the future of the discipline, and 3) the importance of interdisciplinary communication. In the final analysis, its virtues outweigh its defects, and they prophecize new trends beyond the current revolution in the neurosciences.