Back to Our Roots: The Soul of Psychology, the Soul of a Catholic University

Abstract

As we face the dawn of the 21^st Century, our world finds itself in an exciting and awe-inspiring moment marked by great strides in science and technology. What then is the proper place for psychological science in general and its potential contribution in the University classroom in particular? This article critically examines aspects of a predominant lens in contemporary psychology— the Bio-Psycho-Social/Cultural paradigm — used to examine human behavior and mental processes. It is posited that in order to fully understand the subject matter of psychology and to advance an integrative and interdisciplinary approach, psychology must draw on its disciplinary, historical roots in philosophy and transcendence. This article affirms a place for a contemplative and integrative pedagogy. These themes are examined in the context of a case study involving (a) a university Capstone course for fourth year psychology majors and (b) the instructor and author of this article.