1. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE AND A MEASURE OF AUTISTIC THINKING ON CERTAIN INTERNATIONAL PROBLEMS.
- Author
-
Biddle, Willia W.
- Subjects
THEORY of knowledge ,DEVELOPMENTAL disabilities ,AUTISM in children ,PSYCHOLOGY ,IMAGINARY companions ,DELUSIONS - Abstract
The article presents a study on the relationship between knowledge and a measure of autistic thinking on certain international problems. Autistic thinking has been variously defined as uncritical, unreal, emotional, prejudiced, or wishful thinking. It has been one of those generalized concepts, coming from an older psychology, which the authors had difficulty in making specific. Autistic thinking, as it occurs in pathological cases, is easily discernible. However, if the term is to have any value for an objective psychology, it must be objectively discernible and, if possible, measurable. Autistic thinking is essentially wishful in nature. It is the lonesome child who creates an imaginary playmate. It is the neurotic with definite inferiorities who has delusions of grandeur. By saying that the thinking is wishful, we mean that its conclusions are satisfying to the organism. The unreal conclusion is accepted, because it fits in comfortably with certain preconceptions. It is probable that a great majority of the widely accepted thinking on topics of general social interest is autistic.
- Published
- 1931
- Full Text
- View/download PDF