Expanding the Category "Human"

Nonhumanism, Posthumanism, and Humanistic Psychology

By: Patrick M. Whitehead

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eText | 20 December 2017 | Edition Number 1

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The climate within the discipline of psychology has changed considerably since the middle of the twentieth century. More specifically, what it means to be a human has changed. In Expanding the Category “Human”: Nonhumanism, Posthumanism, and Humanistic Psychology, Patrick M. Whitehead argues that the metaphysical problems that psychologists faced sixty years ago are not the same ones they face today. Humanistic psychologists could once choose to protect the integrity of human beings as well as to engage in open inquiry and accept all human beings, but Whitehead contends that a choice between the two must now be made. This book is recommended for scholars and practitioners of psychology and philosophy.

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Dr. Whitehead’s contribution with this book is vital and timely in a day and age where the propensity is to establish false dichotomies. Psychology, at large, typically does not display a strong appetite for deep theoretical and critical reflection on its own subject matter, methodologies, or epistemic stances. Any form of critical analysis often ends abruptly, eschewing any substantive attempt at further synthesis. Psychology, in its current form, is a house divided against itself. Nonetheless, these divisions are often arbitrary, myopic, and harmful to the craft. Unifying these theoretical divisions takes, beyond a skilled intellect, a sense of humility and candor from visionary psychologist. I consider myself lucky to observe the progression of Dr. Whitehead’s views on these ideas. Psychologists and students of the discipline will benefit from navigating the progression of these ideas, as well.