Purpose and Cognition. Edward Tolman and the Transformation of American Psychology
David W. Carroll
University of Wisconsin, Superior
April 2017
FORMAT: Hardback
ISBN: 9781107122505
This book discusses the development of Edward Tolman's purposive behaviourism from the 1920s to the 1950s, highlighting the tension between his references to cognitive processes and the dominant behaviourist trends. It shows how Tolman incorporated concepts from European scholars, including Egon Brunswik and the Gestalt psychologists, to justify a more purposive form of behaviourism and how the theory evolved in response to the criticisms of his contemporaries. The manuscript also discusses Tolman's political activities, culminating in his role in the California loyalty oath controversy in the 1950s. Tolman was involved in a number of progressive causes during his lifetime, activities that drew the attention of both state legislators in California and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It treats Tolman's theoretical and political activities as emanating from the same source, a desire to understand the learning process in a scientific manner and to apply these concepts to improve the human condition.
Will appeal to those interested in the origin of the cognitive map concept, analyzing how Edward Tolman developed a theory of purposive behavior
Illuminates the influence of the fear of communism on academia in the 1950s, discussing Tolman's leadership role in the California loyalty oath controversy
Underscores the political nature of theoretical controversies in psychology, assessing the relationship between Tolman's theoretical research and his political activities
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