Behind the Iron Curtain Psychology neuroscience and politics in the Soviet Union Elliot S Valenstein 9781466261945 Books
Download As PDF : Behind the Iron Curtain Psychology neuroscience and politics in the Soviet Union Elliot S Valenstein 9781466261945 Books
In 1961, the author was the first American scientist to spend a significant amount of time in laboratories in the Soviet Union since the end of World War II. The book provides a chilling account of how Soviet nationalism and the political theories of Marxist-Leninism and dialectical materialism were used to terminate research programs, to condemn and exile scientists, and to isolate Soviet science from advances being made in the West. The inclusion of biographies of eminent scientists like Jerzy Konorski, Alexander Luria, Ivan Beritashvilli, among others who were persecuted during this period, adds greatly to the story. The book also provides a first hand account of how, after his death, Pavlov’s theories about conditioning and the brain were used to condemn any scientists who proposed revisions or corrections of the prevailing orthodoxy. Time spent in East Germany, Czechoslovakia, and Poland enabled the author to learn how Eastern European science had been controlled by the Soviet Union. Throughout the book, the author intersperses many personal experiences that reveal what life was like for the average person in the countries he visited. Any one concerned with political influence over science must read this book.
Behind the Iron Curtain Psychology neuroscience and politics in the Soviet Union Elliot S Valenstein 9781466261945 Books
Elliot Valenstein was one of the first Western scientists to personally penetrate behind the iron curtain in 1960. In this marvelous account, he describes what he found in the major centers of psychological science in Warsaw, in St. Petersburg, Moscow, etc. For example, I loved the gripping portrayal of Jerzy Konorski, the major Polish psychologist who fell afoul of the Soviet-sanctioned views of Pavlov. Scientific stories are woven together beautifully with a personal report of what it was like to travel as an American scientist in the USSR of the time. Valenstein has written a unique and fascinating book for anyone interested in the history of psychology and neuroscience or in cold war life.Product details
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Tags : Behind the Iron Curtain: Psychology, neuroscience, and politics in the Soviet Union [Elliot S Valenstein] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. In 1961, the author was the first American scientist to spend a significant amount of time in laboratories in the Soviet Union since the end of World War II. The book provides a chilling account of how Soviet nationalism and the political theories of Marxist-Leninism and dialectical materialism were used to terminate research programs,Elliot S Valenstein,Behind the Iron Curtain: Psychology, neuroscience, and politics in the Soviet Union,CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform,1466261943,HISTORY World
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Behind the Iron Curtain Psychology neuroscience and politics in the Soviet Union Elliot S Valenstein 9781466261945 Books Reviews
I greatly enjoyed reading this book. Dr. Valenstein creates a smooth blend among science, social context, and personal anecdote. We learn of his experiences as the first American scientist to make a prolonged trip to the post-WWII Soviet and Eastern Europe. We see the challenges of Soviet individuals grappling with the constraints on their science. We also learn about the dominance of Pavlovian, and other state-supported approaches. The book provides a useful lesson about the perils government interference with the science and personal lives of individuals. It will be of special interest to students of behavioral science and its social context but should have a wider audience as well. A good read!!
Elliot Valenstein was one of the first Western scientists to personally penetrate behind the iron curtain in 1960. In this marvelous account, he describes what he found in the major centers of psychological science in Warsaw, in St. Petersburg, Moscow, etc. For example, I loved the gripping portrayal of Jerzy Konorski, the major Polish psychologist who fell afoul of the Soviet-sanctioned views of Pavlov. Scientific stories are woven together beautifully with a personal report of what it was like to travel as an American scientist in the USSR of the time. Valenstein has written a unique and fascinating book for anyone interested in the history of psychology and neuroscience or in cold war life.
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