Psychology as an independent scientific discipline arose relatively recently, approximately in the nineteenth century. Before psychology’s separation, it was considered within the framework of philosophy as a particular form of knowledge of the world. As a scientific discipline, psychology must use experimental methods to test hypotheses. The ability to experimentally study the human psyche led to the rapid growth of several areas in psychology, which gave considerable impetus to the knowledge of human nature.
Particular theorists contributed to the rapid development of psychology as a science. Jean Piaget was one of the first outstanding personalities who focused on exploring human development. He was centered on studying the science of behavior and mental processes. His constructivist approach to pedagogy is very relevant even today, decades after his death. Most educational psychologists and educators are based on the theories and teachings of the Swiss psychologist. He showed that the human mind develops according to specific principles. Another famous pioneer in theorizing about the unconscious aspects of our behavior and the role they play in culture and social relationships with others was Freud. He discovered psychoanalysis which changed people’s ideas about medicine, sociology, and anthropology. Freud’s diverse perception of personal psychology is considered the basis of the traditional views on the mind’s functioning.
Considering the more recent theorists whose investigations showed new edges of human psychology, Martin Seligman should be mentioned. He was the founder of the psychology of joy and happiness. This American scientist has created a unique concept of positive thinking that affects the mind. The remarkable research of this psychologist showed that people’s minds could be programmed. Many people got the opportunity to look at the familiar world differently, to work effectively on themselves. Therefore, each of the mentioned theorists offered a unique theory, which significantly contributed to the historical development of psychology.