Aristotelean-Thomistic Approach of Comparative Psychology

Abordagem Aristotélico-Tomista da Psicologia Comparada

Resumo

The field of psychology has witnessed an increase in its reliance on empiricism to the
point that many researchers operate with a complete disregard for the role of philosophy
in their pursuit of knowledge. The resultant segmentation of the field and decline in such
important areas as comparative psychology can be attributed to this trend, indicating the
need for the role of both philosophical and scientific knowledge to be rightly applied and
understood. A return to a proper utilization of philosophy in guiding empirical questions
and interpreting results is offered as a means of revitalizing the field of comparative
psychology. The philosophical approach of Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas is discussed
as a means to do so, as it provides a valuable perspective in guiding research and enabling
the scientist to interpret results in an integrated and informative manner, whereby the
phenotypic comparisons of humans and nonhumans can be understood coherently.