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A vision of dialogical pluralism in psychology

New Ideas in PsychologyPublished 13 October 2009
William E. Smythe, Stephanie A. McKenzie
Citations17
SJR quartileQ1
SJR score0.91
SNIP1.37

Abstract

This paper argues for dialogical approach to pluralism in psychology. We argue that human psychology is both ontologically and epistemologically pluralistic and advocate an integrated approach to disciplinary pluralism based on mutual, dialogical engagement among psychology's diverse traditions. A framework for such dialogical engagement is developed from the standpoint of a hermeneutic understanding of pluralism. Some possibilities for implementing a dialogical approach to pluralism, in terms of intra-disciplinary boundary-work and oppositional contrasts among psychology's diverse traditions, are then considered as ways of promoting disciplinary integration through dialogue.

Keywords

PsychologyHealth Professions