Catholics in Psychology; A Historical Survey
New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1954. First edition. Large octavo (9 1/4 inches tall), original marron cloth, gilt spine and blind-stamped front board, original dust jacket. About-Fine. Item #1314
"THE CATHOLIC FAITH IS NOT DETRIMENTAL TO THE PROMOTION OF SCIENCE"
First edition of this collection of the accomplishments of Catholics in psychology"—with a frontispiece portrait of Cardinal Mercier: "the pioneer of scientific psychology among Catholics."
Catholics in Psychology is a "survey of the contributions of Catholics to the empirical work of psychology in modern times" (George F. McLean). The book was not meant to separate Catholics but rather "to foster a greater participation of Catholics in a science which traditionally for centuries was part of philosophy." Foremost among Catholic figures in the field is Cardinal Mercier. Influenced by Pope Leo XIII's Aeterni Patris (1879), "it was Desiré Mercier in Belgium, more than anyone else in the Catholic world, who accepted the challenge. He promptly took cognizance of the new psychology, recognized it, accepted it, and integrated it with Thomistic philosophy." This volume opens with two epigraphs by Mercier, including "to honor science is already an act of religion for Christians. At the present time it is the noblest form of apostolate" (Address at the University of Louvain, 1894)
Dedicated by the authors "To Our Students that they may be inspired to follow in the path of those whose accomplishments they will come to know in these pages." A brief Preface broadens the appeal of the book: "It is possible that this book will also interest non-Catholic psychologists who sometimes wonder if the Catholic faith is not a hindrance or a source of prejudice in scientific pursuits. We think that they may find that the Catholic faith is not detrimental to the promotion of science. Indeed, we hope that they will see how faith often stimulates scientific inquiry, opens new vista, and widens their scope." Each chapter is supplemented with Notes (Biographical / Bibliographical) and an Appendix (in two parts) provides a comprehensive bibliography and a Name Index / Subject Index. From the McGraw-Hill Series in Psychology, with Science and Faith: A Foreword by Edwin G. Boring of Harvard University. George F. McLean, Annotated Bibliography of Philosophy in Catholic Thought, 101.
Price: $150.00