Psychology, derived from the Greek words psyche (soul) and logos (study), is the scientific study of mind and behavior. It seeks to understand how individuals perceive, think, feel, and act in different contexts. As a discipline, psychology bridges natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, making it both rigorous and profoundly humanistic. Over the centuries, psychology has evolved from philosophical speculation to an empirical science, incorporating methods that allow systematic observation, experimentation, and analysis.
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The roots of psychology can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where philosophers like Plato and Aristotle pondered questions about the mind, consciousness, and human nature. Plato suggested that behavior is guided by rational thought, while Aristotle emphasized empirical observation and the role of experience in shaping knowledge. These early ideas laid the foundation for the later development of psychological theories. However, psychology as a formal scientific discipline did not emerge until the late 19th century.
