Sociology and psychology

Abstract

Discusses the relationship between sociology and psychology, especially in regard to religion, and criticizes Durkheim's methodological ideas. Durkheim holds that the origin and development of religion are exclusively a concern of sociology; he does not mention social psychology, but opposes individual psychology to sociology. A clear differentiation between social and individual psychology is emphasized. The relation of sociology is, thus, to the former and not the latter. Each individual plays an important role in group life. Both introspective descriptions and external methods should be applied to topics like the development of 'god-ideas', effects of religious institutions upon society, and religious reformations. Concludes that since the units of social groups are conscious beings, the ultimate explanation will have to be given in psychological terms. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1913 American Psychological Association.