Review of Max Wertheimer, Productive thinking

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Cognitive Science
• History of Psychology

Background:

• Max Wertheimer's seminal work on productive thinking was originally published posthumously in 1945.
• Previous editions of "Productive Thinking" have been out of print, limiting access to this foundational text.
• Viktor Sarris, Professor Emeritus of General Psychology, provides a new introduction and context for Wertheimer's study.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the republication of Max Wertheimer's "Productive Thinking" by Viktor Sarris.
• To highlight the significance of Wertheimer's original study on productive thinking.
• To inform libraries and students about the re-availability of this classical psychological text.

Main Methods:

• The reviewed volume includes a reproduction of the original 1945 edition of "Productive Thinking."
• Viktor Sarris's introduction offers a summary of Wertheimer's 1920 study and a chapter-by-chapter analysis of the 1945 volume.
• The review discusses the historical context and previous editions of Wertheimer's work.

Main Results:

• The republication makes Max Wertheimer's "Productive Thinking" accessible to a new generation of readers.
• Sarris's introduction provides valuable context and analysis of Wertheimer's key concepts, including "Wertheimer's Credo."
• The book is a valuable resource for understanding the historical development of cognitive psychology and problem-solving theories.

Conclusions:

• This republication is a significant event, offering renewed access to a foundational text in the study of productive thinking.
• The work remains relevant for its insights into cognitive processes and problem-solving.
• It encourages a deeper engagement with Wertheimer's original ideas beyond mere citation.