Reference no: EM133377756

Assignment:

Questions:

1. What was it about the Zeitgeist in America during the 19th century that made it accepting of evolutionary theory and a strong place for functionalist ideas to take root?

2. The description of William James' life clearly shows he is a complex man, however there is no denying his contributions to American psychology. Summarize those contributions and why they mattered.

3. What is the variability hypothesis and in what ways did the research by both Helen Bradford Thompson Woolley and Leta Stetter Hollingworth bring into question the variability hypothesis?

4. Summarize what Angell stated were the 3 major themes of functionalism.

5. Summarize the contributions and criticisms of functionalism.

6. .(especially Darwin Among the Machines), please address the following:

In your book you will read about Samuel Butler. I find that right now is an interesting time to discuss the statements and predictions he made in the essay: "Darwin Among the Machines".

We are living 120 years after Samuel Butler died, do you find his perspective on the evolution of machinery to be accurate?

7. What do you feel this says about human cognition and intelligence?

You can also bring in ideas from the other reading of this week by Herman Hollerith:

When Perforated Paper Goes to Work.