Publisher's Synopsis
On the Study of Character Including An Estimate of Phrenology is a book written by Alexander Bain, a Scottish philosopher and psychologist. The book focuses on the study of character and personality traits, and includes a discussion of phrenology, a pseudoscientific theory that claims to be able to determine a person's character and abilities by examining the shape and size of their skull.Bain begins by discussing the importance of character study, arguing that understanding the motivations and behavior of individuals is essential for social harmony and progress. He then goes on to examine various theories of character, including those based on genetics, environment, and individual experience.In the second part of the book, Bain turns his attention to phrenology, which was a popular theory in the 19th century. He provides a detailed explanation of the theory, including its history, methodology, and key concepts. Bain ultimately concludes that phrenology is a flawed and unreliable method for understanding character, and that more rigorous scientific methods are needed.Overall, On the Study of Character Including An Estimate of Phrenology is a thought-provoking exploration of the nature of character and personality, and an important critique of a widely accepted but ultimately flawed theory.1861. Alexander Bain, Scottish philosopher and educationalist, was an early proponent of scientific psychology. Along with his friend, John Stuart Mill, Bain was a major proponent of the British school of empiricism: a theory which based all knowledge on basic sensory experiences and not on introspection. Bain's philosophical and scientific writings were completed during his twenty years as a professor at Aberdeen. The Study of Character is an interesting critique of phrenology. Contents: Theories of Character; Claims of Phrenology; The Propensities According to Phrenology; The Sentiments According to Phrenology; The Intellectual Faculties According to Phrenology; The Omissions of Phrenology; Natural, or Spontaneous Activity; The Emotional Temperament; Special Emotions, or Tastes; Intellect in General; Intellect for Good and Evil-Prudence; Intellectual Element of Disinterestedness-Sympathy; Special Intellectual Endowments; Talent; and Genius. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
