Narratives: The Focus of 21st Century Psychology

Humans are emotional beings who feel deeply, reason occasionally, and narrate constantly. Narratives are the stories we tell ourselves to help us understand what we are feeling, thinking, and doing. They help us remember the past, interpret the present, and prepare for the future. They can motivate our successes or be used to excuse our failures. To change our lives, we must change our narratives. This book should not be regarded as a rejection of traditional religion, classical philosophy, psychoanalysis, behaviorism, humanistic psychology, or cognitive science, but as the building blocks for a more complete formulation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 198 pages
Publication date: 24 June 2022
Publisher: Nova Science Publishers Inc

Humans are complex beings capable of experiencing a wide range of emotions, engaging in logical reasoning, and engaging in continuous storytelling. These narratives serve as a means of understanding our feelings, thoughts, and actions, allowing us to recall the past, interpret the present, and prepare for the future. Narratives also play a crucial role in justifying our beliefs and behaviors to ourselves and others, either motivating us to achieve success or providing excuses for our failures.

Recognizing the power of narratives, this book aims to offer a comprehensive exploration of their significance in shaping our lives. It does not seek to reject traditional religious beliefs, classical philosophy, psychoanalysis, behaviorism, humanistic psychology, or cognitive science, which have all contributed to our understanding of human nature. Instead, it views these as foundational elements upon which a more complete formulation can be built.

In the first chapter, we delve into the concept of narratives and discuss why not all narratives are equal. Some narratives may lead to dead ends, while others hold immense value. We explore the different dimensions of relevance and why it is crucial to distinguish between the ultimate, the utilitarian, and the ulterior.

The second chapter takes a deeper dive into the core of human existence, focusing on our values. We examine why values are essential to our well-being and why we must understand their different dimensions. We explore the role of religious narratives in shaping our values throughout history and in the present, both within society and within individuals.

The third chapter examines the contribution of classical philosophy, particularly logic, to narratives. While logic can provide valuable insights, it is not always sufficient to prevent us from falling into the trap of conspiracy theories or deterministic narratives. We explore how classical philosophy can contribute to our understanding of human nature but also acknowledge its limitations.

The fourth chapter traces the historical development of psychology as a science, from the study of the mind to the exploration of behavior, mental processes, and narrative. We examine how psychology has contributed to our understanding of human nature and how it has evolved to address the challenges posed by our changing relationships.

The fifth chapter delves into the lifespan, examining how narratives develop as we navigate the complexities of our relationships throughout our lives. We explore how narratives shape our identity, influence our behavior, and play a crucial role in our emotional well-being.

The sixth chapter takes a deeper look at the internal world of narratives, exploring the mechanisms that drive our storytelling and the ways in which they shape our beliefs and behaviors. We examine the role of memory, imagination, and narrative coherence in constructing our narratives and how these processes can both support and hinder our personal growth.

The seventh chapter delves into the broader implications of narratives, discussing their role in shaping society, culture, and society. We explore how narratives can be used to promote social change, foster empathy, and create a sense of belonging. We also examine the challenges associated with narratives, such as the spread of misinformation, the reinforcement of stereotypes, and the potential for harmful narratives to perpetuate social inequality.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive exploration of the power of narratives in shaping our lives. It recognizes the contributions of traditional beliefs, classical philosophy, psychology, and other fields of study to our understanding of human nature. By examining the different dimensions of relevance, the role of religious narratives, the contributions of classical philosophy, the historical development of psychology, the lifespan, and the broader implications of narratives, we gain a deeper insight into the complex nature of human existence and the potential for personal growth and transformation.

Weight: 408g
ISBN-13: 9781685078577