BODY AND MIND: A HISTORY AND DEFENSE OF ANIMISM
Book Details + Condition: Third edition from 1915 (originally published in 1911). Methuen & Co Ltd (London). Original red boards with gilt title (etc) on spine, and title in blind on front. 384 pages, followed by 31-page publisher catalogue. Includes 13 diagrams. William McDougall (22 June 1871 – 28 November 1938) was an early 20th century psychologist who spent the first part of his career in the United Kingdom and the latter part in the United States. He wrote a number of highly influential textbooks, and was particularly important in the development of the theory of instinct and of social psychology in the English-speaking world. He was an opponent of behaviorism and stands somewhat outside the mainstream of the development of Anglo-American psychological thought in the first half of the 20th century; but his work was very well-known and respected among lay people. In this thorough study, McDougall examines Animism, the belief that objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence, or the belief that inanimate objects are capable of actions and have lifelike qualities. In very good condition: tight binding; lightly rubbed corners; text is clean and unmarked.
From the Preface: "In writing this volume my primary aim has been to provide for students of psychology and philosophy, within a moderate compass, a critical survey of modern opinion and discussion upon the psycho-physical problem, the problem of the relation between body and mind. Among the great questions debated by philosophers in every age the psychophysical problem occupies a special position, in that it is one in which no thoughtful person can fail to be interested; for any answer to this question must have some bearing upon the fundamental doctrines of religion and upon our estimate of man's position and destiny in the world. The greater part of this book is, then, occupied with a survey of modern discussions and modern theories of the psycho-physical relation; but without some knowledge of the course of development of speculation upon this topic it is impossible to understand the present state of opinion. I have written, therefore, in the earlier chapters a very brief history of the thought of preceding ages. The sub-title describes this book as a defense, as well as a history, of Animism. I hasten to offer some explanation of this description, lest the mere title of the book should repel a considerable number of possible readers. It is perhaps hardly necessary to say that the Animism I defend is not of this primitive type. But this is only one variety of Animism, one which seems to have been reached by extending the essential animistic notion far beyond its original and proper sphere of application. The modern currency and usage of the word derives chiefly from Professor Tylor's "Primitive Culture," and I use it with the general connotation given it in that celebrated treatise"
