Great Psychologists and Their Times is the first comprehensive compilation of research on the factors that contribute to great psychologists' impact on the discipline. The author examines those individuals who have contributed most to the advancement of psychological science from a scientific perspective—especially from the standpoint of psychological science. The book integrates all of the relevant research on the psychology of eminent psychologists, from the pioneering work of Francis Galton to work published in the 21st century.
Chapters are rich in examples drawn from the lives and careers of notable psychologists, examining such issues as birth order, psychopathology, and intellectual precocity. Of particular interest are chapters exploring what aspects of the sociocultural context are most conducive to the emergence of illustrious psychologists and how these sociocultural conditions—including political events, economic disturbances, or cultural values—affect not only the magnitude of achievement but also the very nature of that achievement. The findings reviewed lead to suggestions about how best to educate and train both undergraduate psychology majors and graduate students in psychology.
This book will be a useful resource for all psychologists, scientists, and historians who are willing to ponder the provocative overlap between psychology, science, and history.
Preface
I. The Scientific History of Psychology
Introduction
- Eminence in Psychology
- History and Science
II. Lifetime Output of Psychologists and Their Impact on the Field
Introduction
- Individual Differences in Greatness
- Longitudinal Changes in Creativity
- The Creative Product in Psychology
III. Personal Characteristics That Contribute to Greatness as a Psychologist
Introduction
- Cognition
- Disposition
- Worldview
IV. Life Span Development of Great Psychologists
Introduction
- Family Background
- Career Training
- Maturity and Aging
- Nature Versus Nurture
V. Sociocultural Context of Psychological Science
Introduction
- Internal Milieu
- External Milieu
- Genius Versus Zeitgeist
VI. Implications for the Field of Psychology
Introduction
- Research and Teaching
References
Author Index
Subject Index
About the Author
Dean Keith Simonton's Great Psychologists and Their Times is a brilliant tour de force that examines the factors that lead to highly successful careers and contributions in scientific psychology. The book considers a wide range of factors, from intellectual and personality traits to cultural and historical factors. The book is required reading for all scientific psychologists who wish their work to have an impact on the field, and I plan to require all of my doctoral and postdoctoral students to read it.
—Robert J. Sternberg, former APA President
This review has been only a sampling of Simonton's well-organized, highly readable, and engrossing presentation of an impressive set of studies, theories, conjectures, and suggestions. The book is best read in moderate portions - in the aggregate, it becomes overwhelming. As readers of Simonton's work have come to expect, it is both scholarly and creative; in many places controversial and provocative (I often thought, "Maybe, but ..."), it is never pedestrian or boring. This is an important book in the history, sociology, and methodology of the fields, and an enjoyable way to answer at least some of our questions about our discipline and our best-known colleagues.
—Peter Suedfeld, in PsycCRITIQUES
Dean Keith Simonton has produced a sweeping and masterful account of the great psychologists who, through their pioneering research, have shaped our understanding of ourselves. Rich in biographical detail and intriguing generalizations, Simonton's analysis of the achievements and genius of these pioneers makes for fascinating reading. In addition, his path-breaking research constitutes an important contribution to psychology itself. For anyone who wants to read just one book about the history of psychology, Great Psychologists and Their Times is an ideal choice.
—Frank J. Sulloway
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