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Psychology: The ‘Scientific’ Study of Subjective Experience

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Abstract

This commentary presents certain limitations inherent in the discipline of Psychology that renders the possibility of inclusion or integration of Indian thoughts regarding human subjective experience at a disadvantage vis-à-vis what is termed as ‘modern’ Psychology in the article authored by Prof. Durganand Sinha. Like many other realities, the limitations mostly originate from inequities with regard to power and social justice. The other sources pertain to excessive reliance on positivism. Skewed representation of cultural constructions of the human subjective experience acts as a barrier in making the discipline vibrant and growing in spite of its long years of independent existence. The Concept of Self is illustrated as a case in point.

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Thanks to the Editor for inviting me for peer commentary.

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Correspondence to Bhaswati Patnaik.

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Patnaik, B. Psychology: The ‘Scientific’ Study of Subjective Experience. Psychol Stud 69 (Suppl 1), 55–58 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12646-023-00776-w

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