DAVID HARTLEY Meaning and
Definition
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David Hartley (1705-1757) was an English philosopher and physician recognized for his influential contributions to psychology and philosophy. Often identified as the founder of the Associationist school of thought, Hartley developed a doctrine known as "Hartley's psychology" or "Hartley's theory of vibrations."
Hartley proposed that the mind and body work in tandem, with mental operations and experiences stemming from mechanical processes within the brain. According to his theory, all thoughts and sensations are the result of vibrations that occur in the nerves due to external stimuli. He believed that repeated vibrations form connections between ideas, forming associations that influence subsequent mental operations and behaviors.
His most renowned work, "Observations on Man, his Frame, his Duty, and his Expectations," published in two volumes in 1749 and 1756, attempted to provide a comprehensive understanding of human experience, combining ideas from both philosophy and physiology. This publication introduced his theory of vibrations, association of ideas, and argued for the existence of an ethical sense within individuals.
David Hartley's theories had a significant impact on subsequent philosophical and psychological endeavors, particularly in the development of British empiricism and the study of mental processes. His emphasis on associations and the mechanistic nature of psychological phenomena paved the way for subsequent thinkers, such as James Mill and John Stuart Mill, who expanded upon his ideas. Hartley's work also influenced other disciplines, such as neuroscience and medicine, with his belief in the intimate link between mind and body contributing to the emergence of psychosomatic medicine in the 19th century.
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Etymology of DAVID HARTLEY
The word "David Hartley" does not have an etymology of its own.
However, "David" is a Hebrew name derived from the biblical figure King David, who was the second king of Israel. The name means "beloved" or "friend" in Hebrew.
"Hartley" is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the Old English words "heorot" meaning "hart" (a male deer) and "leah" meaning "clearing" or "meadow". Therefore, "Hartley" could be interpreted as "clearing of the harts" or "meadow of the deer" in English.
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