The collective wisdom of generations is reflected in proverbs and sayings, in the signs and interpretations of dreams. And of course, in the center of attention is a person: his character, personality, destiny. However, no one will call this wisdom knowledge of the soul or consciousness. Why? What is the difference between everyday and scientific psychology? After all, both consider a person, his actions, thoughts and feelings. Nevertheless, there are fundamental differences.
Both worldly and scientific psychology lay claim to some generalizations concerning knowledge of the human person. But the first one does it at the level of prejudice and stereotypes, the second one is aimed at deep study, comprehension of mechanisms. Everyday and scientific psychology interpret experience differently. The first relies on specific, particular cases. The second - on experimental data, wide samples, achievements of other scientists. Each of us, observing ourselves, relatives, acquaintances, in our own way interprets the result of observations. Why does it depend? First of all, from the personality of the observer. Therefore, the conclusions that we will draw are not only situational, but also subjective. For example, imagine that you see a man who is dressed in all black. What do you say or think about him? One will decide that it is mourning, the other - that this is the desire to stand out from the crowd. The third will say that that person is apparently depressed. Fourth - that he wants to go unnoticed. The fifth may decide that that person is a chimney sweep by profession or wears a uniform. At the same time, we rely only on our internal experience, on our idea of the world, gleaned from books and films, and even just on the mood. Everyday and scientific psychology just differ in the level of impartiality and the distance from the observer to the object of study.
In the first case, our knowledge is not systematized. They are sketchy, the environment of upbringing, the level of education, our character warehouse leaves its mark on them. In the second, all manifestations of the human personality are studied experimentally, theories are proved scientifically. Everyday psychology is practical, it does not need a deep understanding of the motives and causes of activity or character traits. It is aimed at the successful functioning of man among his kind, at solving specific problems. That is why we so easily give advice on what to do in a particular case, although in reality we do not have a deep idea of the phenomenon. For example, everyday and scientific psychology interpret the problems of dependence and assistance to alcoholics or drug addicts in completely different ways. Without a comprehensive study (through tests, interviews, conversations) of the patient’s personality, not a single psychologist will dare to give specific advice to his relatives about how to behave.
Scientists are trying to comprehend, delve into the deep mechanisms of the emergence and course of dependence in people of different generations, different temperament, initial health status. Worldly "wisdom" gives advice "punish for sin", "leave immediately" or "forgive everything, otherwise it will be worse." Recommendations and instructions are given depending on the personal experience of the arbitrator. This is another fundamental difference between everyday and scientific psychology. The first evaluates and judges, the second draws conclusions and summarizes. Everyday psychology is primarily aimed at situational help, at advice, scientific - at understanding the secrets of the human mind and soul.