FOLK PSYCHOLOGY Meaning and
Definition
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Folk psychology, also known as common sense psychology or lay psychology, refers to a basic understanding and interpretation of human behavior and mental states that is prevalent in everyday life. It encompasses the beliefs, assumptions, and explanations that individuals utilize to make sense of others' thoughts, feelings, and intentions, as well as their own.
At its core, folk psychology is a collection of intuitive theories about how the mind works, including beliefs about desires, beliefs, intentions, emotions, and various mental processes. It involves attributing mental states to oneself and others in order to explain, predict, and interpret behavior. For example, it is through folk psychology that individuals understand that someone yawns when they are tired or that someone might feel happy when they receive a gift.
Folk psychology is often formed through personal experiences, interactions with others, cultural norms, and socialization processes. It does not rely on formal scientific theories or psychological research but rather on individuals' common sense and shared understanding of human nature.
While folk psychology can provide valuable insights into human behavior, it is important to recognize that it is not always accurate or in line with scientific psychological findings. It may be influenced by biases or misconceptions, and it does not capture the complexity and nuances of the mind as revealed by scientific research.
Overall, folk psychology serves as a foundational aspect of social cognition, allowing individuals to navigate social interactions, make sense of behavior, and attribute mental states to themselves and others.
Etymology of FOLK PSYCHOLOGY
The word "folk psychology" is derived from two separate terms: "folk" and "psychology".
1. Folk: The term "folk" originates from the Old English word "folc", which refers to "people", "community", or "nation". It can also describe the traditional beliefs, customs, and practices of a particular group or society. Over time, "folk" has come to be associated with the common people or everyday individuals.
2. Psychology: The term "psychology" comes from the combination of two Greek words: "psyche", meaning "soul" or "mind", and "logos", which translates to "study" or "knowledge". Psychology is the scientific study of the mind, behavior, and mental processes. It encompasses various theories, concepts, and methodologies to understand human cognition, emotion, perception, motivation, and more.
