Origin of the word “psyche”

Psychē (in greek: ψυχή) is a term, which was used for the first time in Greek epic poetry. In philosophy, the word is mostly related to the idea of the soul. Afterward, it was used for the name of the psychology science (in Greek: ψυχή – soul, spirit, butterfly, λόγος – science).

How do we understand the term “psyche” today?

Nowadays we do not speak anymore for the soul in the meaning of its use by philosophers till the 20th century. Today we have enough knowledge to know, that the soul is not a separate part in the body or a substance, which is cooperating with the body. Today the word “soul” is equivalent to “mentality” and is a product of the nervous system.

What is included in the term “mentality”?

This term – as a subject of the psychology science, generally includes 3 parts:

• Mental processes – cognitive, emotional, and behavioral.
• Mental conditions– anxiety, guilt, stress, frustration, euphoria, depression, doubt, etc.
• Mental properties– trend, temperament, character, gifts, abilities, talent

What could be found on this page?

The Psychology science develops fast in the last decades. The scientific literature is getting bigger and bigger, but unfortunately most of it remains inaccessible for the general public due to its specifics. The name of this page is “psychepedia” and its goal is to share information, related with psychology to everyone, who has interest to know.

Greetings,

J. Ruseva