Associationism

This article is about the psychological concept. For the utopian socialist economic theory, see Fourierism.

Associationism is the idea that mental processes operate by the association of one mental state with its successor states.[1] It holds that all mental processes are made up of discrete psychological elements and their combinations, which are believed to be made up of sensations or simple feelings.[2] In philosophy, this idea is viewed as the outcome of empiricism and sensationism.[3] The concept encompasses a psychological theory as well as comprehensive philosophical foundation and scientific methodology.[2]

  1. ^ Perler, Dominik (2015). The Faculties: A History. Oxford: Oxford University Press. p. 256. ISBN 9780199935253.
  2. ^ a b Bailey, Richard (2018-02-06). Education in the Open Society - Karl Popper and Schooling. Routledge. ISBN 9781351726481.
  3. ^ Banerjee, J.C. (1994). Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Psychological Terms. New Delhi: M.D. Publications Pvt. Ltd. p. 19. ISBN 818588028X.