Author
James Sully
1842-1923
James Sully (1842-1923) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaBooks by James Sully
Studies of childhood
"Studies of Childhood" by James Sully is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. This work delves into various aspects of child psychology, aiming not only to provide scholarly insights but also to engage a wider audience, including parents and educators. Sully combines research and observation to explore the developmental stages of children, emphasizing how their unique cognitive processes manifest in play, language, and moral development. The opening of the book sets the stage for an exploration of childhood through both a historical and psychological lens. Sully reflects on humanity's long-standing fascination with infants, noting how perceptions of childhood have evolved from viewing children as morally deficient beings to recognizing the inherent beauty and complexity of their minds. He outlines the need for scientific inquiry into early childhood experiences, arguing that understanding a child’s thought processes is essential for both psychological study and practical application in parenting and education. The preliminary portion thus introduces a nuanced perspective on childhood that highlights the interplay of imagination and reality in a child's experience, laying a foundation for the ensuing studies detailed in the subsequent chapters.
An Essay on Laughter: Its Forms, Its Causes, Its Development and Its Value
"An Essay on Laughter: Its Forms, Its Causes, Its Development and Its Value" by James Sully is a scientific exploration written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the nature of laughter, examining its various forms, causes, and significance in human life, while also addressing philosophical and psychological perspectives. The author aims to bridge humor with serious inquiry, advocating for the understanding of laughter as an essential aspect of human experience. The opening of the essay introduces Sully’s approach to the topic of laughter, noting that it has often faced skepticism and derision as a subject worthy of serious study. He discusses the contrasting attitudes towards laughter, from the laughter-haters who view it as a sign of frivolity to those who embrace its importance in life. In this introductory section, Sully sets the stage for his investigation by acknowledging various objections to the study of laughter, while expressing his belief that laughter plays a vital role in human experience that deserves thoughtful exploration. He outlines his intention to examine laughter through a comprehensive lens, touching on its physiological processes, social implications, and the psychological landscape surrounding it.
Illusions: A Psychological Study
"Illusions: A Psychological Study" by James Sully is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The work delves deeply into the concept of illusions, examining the various types and their origins from both psychological and physiological perspectives. The focus is on understanding the nature of perceptual error and how it relates to the broader processes of human cognition and belief. The opening of the work sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of the topic, beginning with an overview of common misconceptions surrounding illusions. It contrasts common perceptions of illusion as something that excludes rational thought with the idea that everyone is susceptible to illusions under different circumstances. Sully emphasizes the importance of studying illusions from a psychological standpoint, suggesting that this inquiry can illuminate both normal and abnormal mental functioning. He concludes this introductory section by proposing a scientific definition of illusion that encompasses various types of cognitive errors, thereby establishing a framework for the detailed analysis that follows.
Children's Ways Being selections from the author's "Studies of childhood," with some additional matter
"Children's Ways" by James Sully is a psychological examination of childhood behaviors and thought processes written in the late 19th century. The work delves into various aspects of children's play and imagination, focusing on how their minds engage with the world around them through both fantasy and serious inquiry. It aims to bridge the gap between scholarly discussions of child psychology and the interests of a general audience, making it accessible to those curious about childhood development. The opening of the book discusses the vibrant world of children's imagination and play, highlighting how children engage in make-believe and transform their surroundings through creativity. Sully observes that children possess a natural inclination for fanciful thinking, sometimes expressing profound thoughts about objects and phenomena they encounter. They attribute life and emotion to inanimate things, enjoy exploring roles through play, and create vivid narratives that reflect their perceptions of reality. This blend of imagination and inquiry reveals the complex ways children interpret their experiences and highlights the richness of their inner worlds.