Imagination mechanics

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The idea mechanics refers to a term that in the strict sense for the identification of psychology at Johann Friedrich Herbart is used.

According to Herbart, the basic elements of the psychic are ideas . These are understood as substantial, relatively independent units that strive for self-preservation. As such, they enter into certain relationships with one another, which are described as processes of merging, reinforcement, and inhibition.

Low intensity ideas are pushed below the "threshold" of consciousness. For the first time in psychology, the statics and mechanics of Herbart's ideas are presented in mathematical formulas. In doing so, he attempts to mathematize the theory of associations of the English empiricists.

Herbart rejects the experiment as a psychological method; he dispenses with physiological data. With his conceptual mechanics he makes use of the association principle that dominated the psychology of the subsequent period ( association psychology ). The gradation of different degrees of consciousness of the ideas earned him the reputation of being a forerunner of psychoanalysis.

Overall, Herbart's conception expresses the striving to transform psychology into an independent, explanatory science, but these intentions could not be sufficiently realized in the context of Herbart's philosophy.