Glossary / Lexicon

Principle toward the development of opposites is a principle which according to Wundt is the tendency for prolonged experience of one type to create a mental desire for the opposite type of experience.

The principle toward the development of opposites, also known as the principle of polarity, is a psychological concept that suggests that everything in the universe has an opposite. This principle is rooted in the idea that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. In psychology, this principle is often used to describe the way that individuals develop and change over time.

Examples of the principle toward the development of opposites in psychology include:

1. Personality development: According to this principle, personality traits exist on a continuum, with opposite traits at each end. For example, the trait of extraversion is the opposite of introversion, and the trait of agreeableness is the opposite of antagonism. As individuals develop and mature, they may move along this continuum, from one end to the other, as they develop opposing traits.

2. Emotions: Emotions can also be described in terms of opposites. For example, happiness is the opposite of sadness, and excitement is the opposite of boredom. As individuals experience different emotions, they may move along the continuum of emotions, from one opposite to the other.

3. Cognitive development: The principle of polarity can also be applied to cognitive development. For example, the development of language is often described in terms of opposites, such as active/passive, animate/inanimate, and big/small. As individuals learn new concepts and ideas, they may move along the continuum of opposing concepts.

Similar concepts in psychology include dialectical thinking and the yin-yang principle. Dialectical thinking refers to the ability to hold two opposing ideas in the mind at the same time and to reconcile them. This concept is often used in therapy to help individuals resolve internal conflicts. The yin-yang principle is a concept from Chinese philosophy that suggests that everything in the universe is interconnected and exists in a state of constant change. This principle emphasizes the importance of balance and harmony in all aspects of life.

In conclusion, the principle toward the development of opposites is a psychological concept that suggests that everything in the universe has an opposite. This principle can be applied to various areas of psychology, including personality development, emotions, and cognitive development. Similar concepts in psychology include dialectical thinking and the yin-yang principle. Understanding these concepts can help individuals better understand the complexity of human development and change over time.