How do we understand and explain phenomena in psychology? What does the
concept of "causality" mean when we discuss higher psychological
functions and behavior? Is it possible to generate "laws" in a
psychological and behavioral science--laws that go beyond statistical
regularities, frequencies, and probabilities? An international group of
authors compare and contrast the use of a causal model in psychology
with a newer model--the catalytic model. The Catalyzing Mind: Beyond
Models of Causality proposes an approach to the qualitative nature of
psychological phenomena that focuses on the psychological significance
and meaning of conditions, contexts, and situations as well as their
sign-mediating processes. Contributors develop, apply, and criticize the
notion of a catalyzing mind in hopes of achieving conceptual clarity and
rigor. Disciplines such as philosophy, psychology, semiotics and
biosemiotics are used for an interdisciplinary approach to the book.
Research topics such as history and national identity, immigration, and
transitions to adulthood are all brought into a dialogue with the
concept of the catalyzing mind. With a variety of disciplines,
theoretical concepts, and research topics this book is a collective
effort at an approach to move beyond models of causality for explaining
and understanding psychological phenomena.