In praise of "Problemgeschichte"

Hans van Rappard

pp. 317-325

in: Michael E. Hyland, William J. Baker, René van Hezewijk, Terwee (eds), Recent trends in theoretical psychology, Berlin, Springer, 1990

Abstract

In this paper the concepts of theoretical psychology and history of psychology are examined. With regard to the former, a case is made for the Koch-Bergmann-Madsen conception of theoretical psychology as metapsychology. It is further argued that theoretical psychology as theory-construction may also be seen as metapsychology. Next, history of psychology is scrutinized. Two main approaches to the field will be dealt with: (1) the social-historical, and (2) the intellectual-historical (intellectual history, Problemgeschichte). It is held that from a systematic point of view the intellectual-historical approach has the advantage over social history that it may have a direct bearing on the discipline. Finally, it is contended that for this reason the link between theoretical psychology and intellectual/problem history is likely to be fragile. So fragile indeed, that the latter may be seen as forming part of theoretical psychology.