Theory of knowledge, also referred to as epistemology from the Greek word “episteme” meaning knowledge, ask both very general and very fundamental questions about knowledge and knowers. The questions that Theory of Knowledge normally asks are; what is it to know? How is the knowledge distinct from mere belief? And is knowledge possible? Theories of Knowledge are made up of Areas of Knowledge, which are disciplines or fields of study each with own specific definition, ways of study, vocabulary, methods, etc. There are eight Areas of Knowledge into which disciplines are frequently classified, and they are; Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Human Sciences, History, Arts, Ethics, Religious Knowledge Systems and Indigenous Knowledge Systems. This paper analyses Human Sciences as an area of knowledge specifically focusing on the aspect of psychology.
Human Sciences is an area of study that focuses on the study of biological, social and cultural aspects of human life to understand human actions and behavior. This area of study corresponds to humanities and social sciences as well aspects of psychology and even mathematics as one of the main issues of concern in information gathering in the study of human behavior. Anthropology, Economics, Human Biology, Physiology, and Psychology are examples of some of the subjects that fall under Human Sciences.
Psychology is a general term that is used to refer to the profession, scholarly discipline and science that deals with the behavior of humans and animals, and the related mental and psychological processes. Simply, psychology can be defined as the scientific study of the mind and behavior. The Human Sciences in psychology is mainly concerned with aspects of the non-physical aspects of the mind such as thoughts, cognition, memories, emotions, and dreams.
As in other sciences, the objectives and approach to psychological experiments are to confirm or disapprove theories and expectations. However, the raw data for psychologist scientists in these experiments are human behavior unlike for physicists who depend on atoms and electrons as their raw data. The human behavior regarding actions, feelings, and thoughts are used as evidence or indication of the state of mind.
Branches of psychology
There are several categories of psychology which are categorized using several aspects such as institution and profession and location. Some of the most prominent branches of psychology relevant for human scientist include the following classes;
• Cognitive psychology- This category is concerned with the investigation of internal mental processes such as learning, memory and problem solving. One of the main objectives of this branch of psychology is the process of acquisition, processing, and storage of information. Cognitive psychology is applied in therapies to improve memories of patients
• Developmental psychology- this is a branch of psychology that deals with the study of systematic psychological changes a person experience in the course of their life. It is concerned with any psychological factor such as problem-solving skills, personality, and language skills studied over the life of a person. It also looks and compares innate structures of the mind against learning through experience.
• Evolutionary psychology- this branch of psychology focuses on how human behavior has been influenced by psychological adjustment in the course of evolution. Language and memory perception are among factors that psychologist believe are among the functional products of natural selection. Evolutionary psychologist believes that psychological traits observed among the human beings today are adaptation for survival in everyday environment of our ancestors
• Social psychology- this category uses scientific methods to understand and explain the way thoughts, feelings and behavior are affected by the actual, imagined or implied presence of other people. A social psychologist focuses on the behavior, social perception, conformity, non-verbal behavior and leadership of a group of people. A social psychologist studies the influence of a society on human behavior (Gross, 2015).
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is obvious that human science is an important area of knowledge for both scholars and the general public. The research materials from the studies carried out in this field can be used to explain and solve problems that affect the society in this day and age. I would recommend this area of knowledge to any students interested in understanding the relationship and behavior of human beings.
References
Gross, R. (2015). Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behaviour 7th Edition. Hodder Education.
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