Mary Calkins's Email & Phone Number

📖 Summary

Mary Whiton Calkins was an influential American philosopher and psychologist who made significant contributions to the fields of psychology and philosophy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Hartford, Connecticut in 1863, Calkins was the eldest of five children and showed academic prowess from an early age. She attended Smith College, where she was one of the first female students, and graduated with a degree in psychology and philosophy in 1885.

After graduating, Calkins briefly worked as a teacher before returning to Smith College to pursue a master’s degree in psychology. She then went on to become the first woman to enter the doctoral program in psychology at Harvard University, though she was never awarded the degree due to Harvard’s policy of not granting doctoral degrees to women at the time. Despite this setback, Calkins continued her studies and research, eventually becoming a prominent figure in the emerging field of psychology.

Calkins’ work in psychology revolved around the study of memory and the self, and she is perhaps best known for her development of the paired-associate technique, a method for studying memory and associations between stimuli. This groundbreaking work helped to lay the foundation for the field of experimental psychology and has had a lasting impact on the study of human cognition.

In addition to her work in psychology, Calkins was also deeply interested in philosophy, particularly the philosophical implications of psychology and the nature of consciousness. She wrote extensively on these topics, publishing numerous articles and books that explored the intersection of psychology and philosophy. Her philosophical work was characterized by a focus on introspection and self-examination, and she was known for her belief in the power of the human mind to perceive and understand the world around us.

Calkins’ contributions to both psychology and philosophy were not only intellectually groundbreaking, but also paved the way for women in academia and the sciences. At a time when women were often excluded from higher education and professional opportunities, Calkins broke through barriers and made significant strides in the field of psychology. She became the first female president of the American Psychological Association in 1905, and she was also a founding member of the American Philosophical Association.

Throughout her career, Calkins not only produced important scholarship, but also mentored and supported other women in academia. She was a strong advocate for women’s rights and gender equality, and she used her platform to promote the advancement of women in the sciences. Her advocacy and mentorship had a lasting impact on the next generation of female psychologists and philosophers, and she is remembered not only for her scholarly contributions, but also for her efforts to support and empower women in the academic and scientific communities.

In recognition of her pioneering work and achievements, Calkins was awarded numerous honors and accolades during her lifetime, including honorary degrees from universities such as Columbia and Tufts. Her legacy continues to be celebrated today, and she is remembered as a trailblazer in the fields of psychology and philosophy, as well as a champion for women’s rights and equality. Mary Whiton Calkins’ impact on the fields of psychology and philosophy, as well as her advocacy for women in academia, make her a truly remarkable figure in American intellectual history.