Abstract

The dissertation examines the state of the "subjective" in modern psychology in order to clarify how psychology has conceptualized or failed to conceptualize subjectivity. The mainstream view of subjectivity is characterized in terms of the definitions, theories, concepts, and methods employed by psychologists in this domain. Using critical historical, critical psychological, and literary methodologies, the evolution of the concept of subjectivity in psychology is explored, emphasizing the influence of cultural forces on the development of the field. Limitations of the present conception of subjectivity are exemplified through reexamination of a seminal experimental work of contemporary psychology, the Milgram study of obedience. Finally, an alternative conception of subjectivity is drawn from the literary theory of Bakhtin, drawing on his notion of "polyphony," or multi-voiced subjectivity. The applicability of this paradigm to psychology is evaluated