February 12, 2013
Psychology
Wilhelm Wundt
Wilhelm Maximilian Wundt was born on August 16, 1832 in the town of Neckarau in Germany. Wilhelm Wundt was the first man to be called a psychologist without reference to a stronger interest. He established the first laboratory in the world that was dedicated to experimental psychology. He was considered to be the "Father of Experimental Psychology." He founded the modern science of psychology, and Wilhem Wundt knew just what he was doing. He was an only child and the son of a Lutheran Pastor. As a child Wundt was never close to his parents. He hardly played yet spent most of his time with his tutor studying. He grew so attached to his tutor that when his tutor was transferred he was unconsolable until he too was able to board with him. At the age of 13 Wilhelm was sent off to boarding school and at age 19 he went to University to study medicine in order to make a living. He spent time at the University of Tubingen, Heidelberg, and Berlin. Wilhelm Wundt opened the Institute for Experimental Psychology at the University of Leipzig in Germany in 1879. This was the first laboratory dedicated to psychology, and its opening is usually thought of as the beginning of modern psychology. Indeed, Wundt is often regarded as the father of psychology. This laboratory became a focus for those with a serious interest in psychology, first for German philosophers and psychology students, then for American and British students