Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

James McKeen Cattell

Role / Field:

Pioneering American psychologist, educator, and advocate for scientific rigor.

Born:

1860-05-25

Died:

1944-01-20

Century / Era:

1860s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

James McKeen Cattell (; May 25, 1860 – January 20, 1944) was the first professor of psychology in the United States, teaching at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. He was a long-time editor and publisher of scientific journals and publications, including Science, and served on the board of trustees for Science Service, now known as Society for Science from 1921 to 1944. At the beginning of Cattell's career, many scientists regarded psychology as a minor field of study, or as a pseudoscience like phrenology. Cattell helped establish psychology as a legitimate science, worthy of study at the highest levels of the academy.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

At the time of his death, The New York Times credited him as "the dean of American science". Cattell was uncompromisingly opposed to American involvement in World War I. His public opposition to the draft led to his dismissal from his position at Columbia University, which later led many American universities to establish academic tenure as a means of protecting unpopular beliefs. Cattell was born in Easton, Pennsylvania, on May 25, 1860, the eldest child of a wealthy and prominent family. His father, William Cassady Cattell...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Aleksey Khomyakov — Contemporary (Died in 1860) (1860): Founding theoretician of the Slavophile movement in Russian philosophy.
• Alphonse Mucha — Contemporary (Born in 1860) (1860): Master of Art Nouveau, famed for decorative posters and The Slav Epic.
• Anders Zorn — Contemporary (Born in 1860) (1860): Master Swedish artist renowned for evocative portraits and genre scenes.
• Aimee Semple McPherson — Contemporary (Died in 1944) (1944): Pioneering Pentecostal evangelist, famous for founding the Foursquare Church.
• Alan Parker — Contemporary (Born in 1944) (1944): Acclaimed English filmmaker known for genre versatility and numerous BAFTA and Golden Globe wins.
• Alexis Carrel — Contemporary (Died in 1944) (1944): Pioneering French surgeon and biologist known for vascular suturing and early transplantology.
• Abd al-Rahman al-Sufi — Shared historical date (05-25 · Died) (986): Influential Persian astronomer known for expanding Ptolemaic models and stellar catalogs.
• Ajahn Buddhadasa — Shared historical date (05-25 · Died) (1993): Pioneering Thai Buddhist monk known for reinterpreting doctrine and fostering religious reformation.
• Abdul Ghaffar Khan — Shared historical date (01-20 · Died) (1988): Pioneering nonviolent activist and founder of the Khudai Khidmatgar movement.
• Adam Oehlenschläger — Shared historical date (01-20 · Died) (1850): Pioneering Danish Romantic poet and playwright who shaped national literature.
• 1860 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1860
• May 25 (05-25) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on May 25
• 1944 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1944
• January 20 (01-20) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on January 20

Frequently Asked Questions about James McKeen Cattell