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Fact and Fable in Psychology

Written by Joseph Jastrow

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OccultismPsychologyHypnotismParapsychology

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About this book

"Fact and Fable in Psychology" by Joseph Jastrow is a collection of essays written in the late 19th century. The work explores various psychological phenomena and the misconceptions that surround them, particularly those related to the occult and pseudoscience. Jastrow aims to highlight the importance of critical thinking and scientific rigor in understanding human mental processes, emphasizing the need to distinguish between fact and belief. The opening of the book sets the stage for Jastrow's examination of the public's fascination with unusual and often erroneous concepts in psychology, including occult beliefs and spiritualism. He discusses the challenges faced by psychologists in combating widespread misconceptions fueled by sensationalism and superstition. Jastrow argues for a grounded view of psychology that prioritizes normal mental functions over more obscure psychic phenomena, proposing that a deeper understanding of common psychological processes can illuminate the irregularities that captivate popular interest.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Fact and Fable in Psychology, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 10 hours
  • intermediate
  • Analytical
  • Skeptical
  • Didactic

Joseph Jastrow's "Fact and Fable in Psychology" is a seminal late 19th-century collection of essays dedicated to dissecting popular psychological misconceptions, particularly those rooted in the occult and pseudoscience. Through rigorous scientific inquiry and a commitment to critical thinking, Jastrow systematically challenges prevalent beliefs in spiritualism, telepathy, and other unverified phenomena. The work advocates for a grounded understanding of normal mental processes as the foundation for explaining apparent anomalies, urging readers to distinguish between empirically verifiable facts and unfounded beliefs. It serves as a foundational text in the history of psychology, emphasizing the crucial role of scientific rigor in an an era prone to sensationalism and superstition.

“The first step in true wisdom is to know what is fact and what is fable.”

Key themes

Scientific Skepticism vs. Pseudoscience
This is the overarching theme of the book. Jastrow meticulously contrasts the rigorous, evidence-based approach of scientific psychology with the unverified claims and anecdotal evidence of pseudoscience, spiritualism, and occult beliefs. He systematically debunks phenomena like telepathy, automatic writing, and spirit communication by offering rational, psychological explanations.
The Importance of Critical Thinking and Empirical Evidence
Jastrow champions critical thinking as the essential tool for navigating the complexities of human experience and distinguishing truth from falsehood. He emphasizes the necessity of empirical evidence, controlled observation, and logical reasoning over anecdote, intuition, or popular consensus in psychological inquiry.
The Psychology of Belief and Suggestion
Jastrow delves into the cognitive and social mechanisms that lead individuals to believe in unsubstantiated claims. He explores the power of suggestion, the malleability of memory, the influence of expectation, and the human tendency to seek patterns and meaning, even where none exist. This theme explains *why* 'fables' are so pervasive and appealing.

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