Philosophy and Psychology Department

Unrestricted

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Historical Note

In the early days of the Mount Holyoke Female Seminary, work in philosophy was a requirement for graduation. Until 1882, work in mental and moral science was given by the principal of the Seminary. In 1883, however, a permanent instructor was hired to teach the subject. In 1901, the Philosophy Department expanded to include two instructors. At this time the psychological laboratory opened. Another instructor and a laboratory assistant joined the department in 1904, and in 1905, the department name was changed to the Philosophy and Psychology department, the first time psychology appeared in the name of a course of study at Mount Holyoke. The study of philosophy in 1918 was divided into seven different areas: the history of philosophy, logic, ethics, aesthetics, metaphysics, the philosophy of religion, and psychology. Psychology was further divided into general psychology, experimental psychology, genetic psychology, individual psychology, social psychology, and educational psychology. The aim of the department at this time was to cultivate the habit of clear and independent thinking and to give the student an acquaintance with philosophical problems in order to enable her to understand better the aims of science, the spirit of literature and other forms of art, the meaning of larger social and political movements, and the significance of the moral and religious life. After years of discussion about the separation of philosophy and psychology, the department divided in the 1939/1940 academic year to form the Philosophy Department and the Psychology Department.

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Scope and Contents of the Collection

The Mount Holyoke College Philosophy and Psychology Department Records consist of course descriptions; a photocopy from the Llamarada; articles; memoranda; reports; examinations; course outlines; syllabi; and photographs. The records contain information about courses offered and proposed and the reorganization of the Philosophy Department. In articles written by Professors Ellen Bliss Talbot, Samuel P. Hayes, John M. Warbeke, and Stuart M. Stoke, information about the history and scope of the department, the psychological laboratory, constructive philosophy at Mount Holyoke, and developments in psychology and education at Mount Holyoke is provided. The annual reports of the department to the President of the College are also contained in the records. The reports date from 1930 until 1938, and they contain information about changes in personnel, faculty activities, courses in the department, the reorganization of the department, and enrollment trends, including major and honor students. The course records found in the collection include examinations, outlines, and syllabi from various courses. Two photographs of the psychological laboratory are held in the records.

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