Philosophy vs Psychology
Although people often confuse the terms of philosophy and psychology, they are distinct branches of knowledge. Both are classified as ordinary arts, with philosophy focusing on the study of the nature of life and life hereafter, while psychology deals with the study of the mind and its behavior. This article aims to highlight the differences between these two disciplines and provide an understanding of each branch of knowledge.
What is Philosophy?
Philosophy is the field of study that deals with the nature of life and life hereafter. Philosophers explore various possibilities for establishing the truth about the origin of the universe and the nature of the soul. There are several schools of philosophy, such as Eastern philosophy and Western philosophy, which have different approaches. Philosophical thoughts revolve around the mysteries of life and the reality of the soul. Some schools of thought consider the individual soul as eternal, while others believe the soul does not exist. Philosophy also deals with the theory of causation, exploring the instrumental cause for the creation of the universe and life within it. Each system of philosophy differs in its approach when dealing with the theory of causation. Furthermore, philosophy addresses the relationship between man and the Almighty or supreme force responsible for the creation of life in the universe. It studies the metaphysical aspects of nature and investigates life after death.
What is Psychology?
Psychology is the field of study that explores human behavior and mental processes. It deals with the mind and its transformations, with psychologists aiming to understand the functions of the mind in social behavior and the neurobiological processes that guide mental behaviors. Psychology helps establish various philosophical truths through logical conclusions, involving logical acumen. However, psychology also has its roots in philosophy. There are several schools of thought in psychology, such as Structuralism, Behaviorism, Gestalt psychology, Psychoanalysis, and the Humanistic school of thought. Each school presents a new outlook on understanding the human mind and behavior. For example, Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalysis emphasizes the importance of the unconscious in influencing human behavior, while Behaviorists focus on behavior as it can be observed, ignoring the significance of the mind. Psychology is a developing field of study with many branches, such as developmental psychology, educational psychology, social psychology, cognitive psychology, abnormal psychology, organizational psychology, and more.
Key Takeaways
- Philosophy deals with the study of the nature of life and life hereafter, while psychology deals with the study of the mind and its behavior.
- A philosopher explores the various possibilities of establishing the truth about the origin of the universe and the nature of the soul, while a psychologist attempts to understand the role of the functions of the mind in social behavior and explore the neurobiological processes that guide mental behaviors.
- Philosophy deals with the relationship of man to the Almighty and the supreme force responsible for the creation of life in the universe, as well as the metaphysical aspects of nature and life after death, whereas psychology helps establish various philosophical truths through logical conclusions.
