Creation – Understanding the Human

In the transition to physiology and psychophysics, we can see more application of the information that was learned in the past. Previously, there was not a lot of support for psychology becoming an actual science. Many thinkers such as Galileo and Hume highlighted the limitations of studying the brain and the mind. However, in evaluating why it could not become a science, thinkers have also used this as a way of ruling out options or finding other ways to study this problem. This, in part, contributes to the emergence of experimental psychology. The mind at this point and time is still very abstract, so researchers like Ernst Heinrich Weber continued to study the more tangible nervous system instead. Many scientists like Weber assumed that there might be a connection between brain processes and mental processes.

One of Weber’s areas of interests was kinesthesis. Weber’s research contributes to our modern understanding of touch and physical sensations. In studying physical sensations, Weber conducted experiments that revealed relationships between physical sensations and judgments. His findings led to concepts such as Weber’s law, a notable contribution to experimental psychology.

Weber’s contributions as a physiologist reflect one the many methods of understanding man. This is why he fits very well in the Creation category, in my opinion. Rather than an abstract assumption scientists in this time period are getting closer and closer to understanding the human being which creates new paradigms and new questions. Personally, I find this an exciting time period in history as we watch the story of man unfold. Due of our modern understanding of psychology, some of the past philosophical ideas almost look ridiculous in comparison.  But it’s also fascinating to see our thoughts transform and unfold.