Introductory Psychology Through Science Fiction

Rating:
Summary: More than what it is
Review: The coolest thing about this book isn't just the great short stories or the totally original presentation of psychological concepts through those stories. The coolest thing is the implied approach. The idea behind the book--that to study man we must study his expressions together with his behavior and biology--is what really makes the book so awesome. A great supplemental read for an integrated humanities course. If only someone would do an updated edition!

Rating:
Summary: Good science fiction stories with psychology themes
Review: This book was used as a textbook for an Introductory Psychology course I took in 1975. In spite of the fact that it was written as a textbook, it is an excellent read for short stories. Luckily, I happen to like the science fiction genre, and found almost all of the chapters (stories?) very well written. I can't remember discussing this book in class, although I'm sure it must have been included. There are entries about Skinner Boxes, telepathic animals, walking dream worlds, homicidal maniacs, and many other themes in which psychology is so rich. The good part about this book is that, while it introduces these themes to one who might be unfamiliar, it also unfolds them in a manner that does not broadcast that theme from the start. Thus, they are a good read for the psychologist as well. I came to Amazon to get another copy, as mine disappeared several years ago and I want it back!