Psychologiczne aspekty służby na rzecz dobra człowieka i społeczeństwa

Abstract

In scientific debates, many positions arise indicating that psychology, as a theoretical, research-based, and practical science, centrally focuses on behaviors and cognitive processes, emphasizing their purposefulness, which undoubtedly leads to decisions with consideration for serving society and the individual. In the case of psychology as a science, the definition of the benefits it offers to humanity is closely related to the theoretical and empirical research trends developed over almost 150 years. They refer to the principles of psychoanalysis and neo-psychoanal-ysis, behaviorism, cognitive psychology, emotional-cognitive psychology, existential psychology, humanistic psychology, evolutionary psychology, as well as quality of life. In search of an answer to the question, “What is the ‘good of a human being’?”, the article reflects on the issues related to the current state of practical psychology from an individual and re-search-theoretical perspective. The historical aspect of Polish psychology as a science, taking into account its service to society and the individual, is complemented by the positions of selected psychologists who have made significant contributions to its development.