Behavior and Psychological Man - by Edward Chace Tolman

Book Synopsis

Behavior and Psychological Man: Essays in Motivation and Learning is a collection of Edward Chace Tolman's seminal papers, tracing the evolution of his systematic theory of purposive behaviorism. Compiled by former students and colleagues, this anthology not only honors Tolman's contributions during his tenure at the University of California but also serves as a valuable psychological document. The essays illustrate the trajectory of Tolman's thinking, from its nascent stages to a mature, albeit continually evolving, framework that integrates experimental findings with theoretical innovation.

Tolman's work is characterized by its breadth and inclusivity, embracing all aspects of psychological inquiry. His insistence on exploring behavior as multidetermined led to the development of a system that encompassed learning, motivation, perception, and personality. A pioneer in the use of hypothetical constructs and intervening variables, Tolman advanced a centralist approach to psychology, bridging behaviorism, Gestalt theory, and depth psychology. His emphasis on molar behavior and cognitive maps reintroduced complexity and purposiveness to psychological theory, transforming how learning, problem-solving, and human behavior are understood. This collection, which combines rigorous science with Tolman's characteristic wit and creativity, not only captures the essence of his theories but also reflects the humanistic and collaborative spirit that defined his teaching and scientific legacy.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1961.