Joseph Adelson, William Bennett, William Cook, Ronald Herzman, and Steven Tigner explore “humbug”–social fascinations such as astrology, modern prophecy, the occult, psychobabble, popular psychology, self-help, and the human potential movement. In the final part, the scholars discuss the literary and historical precedents for “psychobabble” and consider the ideological foundations of popular psychology.
At the time of this interview, Adelson, a Fellow at the National Humanities Center (1978-79), was professor of psychology at the University of Michigan. Bennett was director of the Center. Cook was professor of history and Herzman was professor of English, both at the State University of New York at Geneseo. Tigner was professor of philosophy at the University of Toledo.
This edition of Soundings was produced by Wayne J. Pond.
