What Can Psychology Do For You? // Abigale Bell

"What can psychology do?" (Seligman, 2). 

While reading Seligman's address, I was struck by the bluntness of this statement. What is the purpose of psychology? What is it's benefit. Seligman introduces us to the answer to such questions in the President's Address. Seligman asks his major question in the wake of political upheaval. He makes the point that psychology and polotics go hand in hand. Seligman says, "I submit to you that we can train today's young psychologists who have the courage and the humanity for such work to better understand, predict, and even prevent such tragedies" (2). Understanding human nature is an avenue to creating peace. I find it interesting that the main focus of this address is to direct the view away from psychology as a simply a medicine. Rather, one is to understand the practical relational value psychology has and use it to bring about unity. According to Seligman, psychology is "the building of what makes life most worth living" (3). In light of the original question, we understand that psychology causes us to search the inner workings of humanity and find the good in it. Through this statement, Seligman offers a charge to his listeners. We are to seek harmony among people. We are to raise up younger generations who are sensitive to the needs of others and willing to work to prevent conflict. We are to seek the things that are most important in life. This is what psychology does. 

Commented on Josh's and Samantha's posts.