The Psychology of Personhood

This book explores the nature of personhood, emphasizing embodied and socially situated beings, offering fresh perspectives on psychology and human experience.

What does it mean to be a person? This question, surprisingly overlooked in psychology, is explored in depth in The Psychology of Personhood. The book challenges the traditional focus of psychology on processes rather than on the individuals who embody them. It critiques the reductionist views that define persons solely by their mental states, behaviors, or biological aspects. Instead, it posits that persons are fundamentally embodied and socially situated beings, emphasizing the importance of context in understanding human experience.

The Psychology of Personhood brings together insights from various disciplines, including philosophy, history, and socio-developmental studies, to create a rich tapestry of perspectives on the nature of personhood. Leading scholars contribute to this integrative approach, discussing how everyday actions and interactions shape our understanding of what it means to be human. By placing persons at the center of psychological inquiry, the book opens up new avenues for exploring the complexities of human life in relation to society and culture.

This comprehensive examination not only broadens the scope of psychological study but also invites readers to reconsider the frameworks through which they view themselves and others. By situating personhood within evolutionary, historical, and cultural contexts, The Psychology of Personhood offers a fresh perspective on the intricate web of relationships that define our existence.