Welcome to the official website of the Program of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology at Brigham Young University. The purpose of this site is to provide general information regarding the theoretical psychology subdiscipline, as well as information specific to the program, its faculty, students, and resources.
This site is divided into four sections, which you can view at any time by using the navigation bar to the left. You are currently viewing the Program section, which contains general information regarding theoretical psychology, the program at BYU, and this site. The Students section contains information regarding the program requirements, curriculum, reading group, and other resources for students. The Faculty section contains information about each professor involved in the program. The Resources section contains references for books, articles, and journals, as well as links to other online resources and programs.
Theoretical and philosophical psychology takes as its subject of investigation the philosophical, theoretical, historical, and methodological foundations of the discipline of psychology. Theoretical psychologists have two main tasks in psychology: The first is to formulate, and help others formulate, the theories that are ultimately tested - whether through quantitative, qualitative, or theoretical means. The tradition of formulating "personality theories" is an example of this first task. The second task is to examine, and help others examine, the nonempirical issues that currently facilitate or stymie the work of psychologists. Nonempirical issues are those issues of the discipline that are not decided on the basis of empirical studies alone, though such studies would nearly always be considered.
- How does philosophy of science inform the discipline of psychology?
- What is the role of meaning in human experience?
- What are the best methods for studying psychological issues?
- Is objectivity a realistic scientific goal?
- What should be the primary goal of psychology?
- Should spirituality be studied by psychologists?
- Is Psychology a coherent discipline?
Currently, the Program of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology at Brigham Young University is one of only several of its kind in the world. In recent years, it has become an academic center for theoretical psychology, bringing together some of the foremost thinkers and professors and brightest students in the field. The program's faculty continue to make important scholarly contributions, both through published research and through involvement in professional organizations such as Division 24 of the American Psychological Association.
Please feel free to examine this website if you are interested in learning more about the program, or about theoretical psychology in general. If you have any questions about the program or this website please contact:
Program of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology
Psychology Department
1001 Kimball Tower
Brigham Young University
Provo, Utah 84602
(801)422-4287
Email: Dr. Edwin Gantt ( ed_gantt@byu.edu ).