Epiphanies : An existential philosophical and psychological inquiry

ISBN-13: 9783639099263 / Angielski / Miękka / 2009 / 156 str.

Matthew McDonald

Opis

When psychologists contemplate the nature of personal change they usually refer to two broad areas, the developmental changes that occur over the lifespan and more specific changes that are effected through counselling and psychotherapy. In both cases change occurs in a slow incremental process, lasting anywhere from a period of weeks, months or years. However, some types of personal change and transformation are radical in their suddenness and potential for permanent transformation. Academic psychologist Matthew McDonald illuminates the nature of positive change that is sudden and abrupt by exploring the concept of epiphany, re-defining it in light of current and historical perspectives and then applying it to the life stories of five individuals. McDonald turns to existential philosophy and psychology to interpret their experiences, providing a description that emphasises personal meaning and the essential realities of the human condition. From this study readers will be able to reflect on their own lives by gaining a better understanding of the human struggle with freedom, responsibility, meaning, anxiety and death.

O autorze

Dr Matthew McDonald is a visiting lecturer in psychology at
Goldsmiths College, University of London. He has lectured in
psychology at Roehampton University, London, the University of
Technology, Sydney, and most recently Assumption University,
Bangkok.