EMPIRICAL PSYCHOLOGY

PROLEGOMENA.

§. 1.

Definition of empirical psychology.

Empirical psychology is the science of establishing principles through experience, from which an account is rendered of those things which occur in the human soul.

We have already provided the definition of empirical psychology in the Preliminary Discourse prefixed to Logic (§. 111). We also noted in the same place (note §. 112) why we distinguish it from rational psychology. The principles of psychology, which are established a posteriori, possess the greatest utility throughout the entirety of practical philosophy, and indeed throughout all of theology, both natural and revealed. For this reason, since those things which are set forth in rational psychology, because they rely upon principles not yet evident, are brought into dispute, it was fitting that those things which must be laid down as a foundation for arduous truths be separated from them. But regarding those matters which can already be read elsewhere, we say no more.

(Wolff’s Psychology.)