THE RISE AND FALL OF MUNSTERBERG,HUGO

This article addresses the turbulent life of the German-American philosopher and psychologist Hugo Munsterberg in Germany and his role in founding the psychological laboratories at Freiburg and Harvard. He is best known for his contributions to forensic, industrial, and the ''new'' experimental psychology. Over a span of twenty years (1897-1916), Munsterberg rose to become the leading psychologist in the US. When he turned his attention to cultural and political issues, particulary his efforts on behalf of a mutual understanding between Germany and America, he had a serious break with the Harvard administration and later, his colleagues. An advocate for world peace, his final years were marred by World War I which left him embittered and socially isolated. Judged harshly at the time, he is now receiving the recognition that posterity did not tender him.