Psyche: Amid the Mind and Stars

INDIVIDUAL

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INTRA- INTER-PERSONAL : SCIENCES

HUMANISTIC -------------------------------------------------- MECHANISTIC

SOCIOLOGY : POLITICAL

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GROUP

"The Greek origin of the word psyche (breath) is well known but psyche also referred to life as action or as soul, some special force or spirit which entered living creatures. ... It was natural that when psychology and and medical psychology became established with institutions, they would wish for armorial bearings and it was logical that some representation of psyche should be incorporated. ... Some psychiatrists would consider mind to be an epiphenomenon of brain function, many of whose mysteries will eventually yield to scientific and clinical investigation and most would consider the emergent subjective experiences as important in determining behaviour. The current motto "Let Wisdom Guide" is certainly suitable whatever interpretation or meaning is given to Psyche and whatever direction psychiatry may take in the future." p.429,431. James, F.E. (July 1991). "Psyche". Psychiatric Bulletin. 15 (7): 429–31. doi:10.1192/pb.15.7.429

Artist's concept of the asteroid 16 Psyche which is thought to be a stripped planetary core. Image credit: Maxar/ASU/P. Rubin/NASA/JPL-Caltech

Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss  Antonio CANOVA (1757 – 1822) Marble - H. 1.55 m; L. 1.68 m; D. 1.01 mMR 1777 Paris, Musée du Louvre © 2010 Musée du Louvre / Raphaël Chipault

Political mythology: Government pronouncements on psyche?