The types of rationality as a basis for psychological knowledge periodization

Cultural-analytic approach to the periodization of psychological knowledge evolution is proposed on the basis of types of rationality change. Consciousness paradigm in psychology developed in the context of English empirical and German experimental traditions. Empiric methodological principle promoted the development of associative psychology. It took canonic forms on the classical: stage ("mental physics"); on non-classical stage the main concepts and methods of a study were revised ("mental chemistry"); on post-non-classical stage (evolution theory) a new understanding of psychology subject emerged leading beyond the limits of associative paradigm. After achievement of its paradigmal flourishing the consciousness psychology, as a whole reached its methodological dead end. It was displaced by behavior psychology. The development of behaviorism went through classical stage (1910-1930), non-classical stage or neo-behaviorisn (1930-1960), post-non-classical stage or social-oriented behaviorism (after 1960). Three types of rationality,model shows Methodological evolution of positivism (classical, non-classical, post-non-classical positivism). The relationship of classical, non-classical, post-non-classical are built on thesis anti-thesis Synthesis principle.