Name:

Max Wertheimer

Born:

April 15, 1880

Died:

October 12, 1943

Nationality:

Czechoslovakian & German

Field:

Psychology

Contributions:

Max Wertheimer was a pioneering psychologist known for his significant contributions to the development of Gestalt psychology. He, along with his colleagues Wolfgang Köhler and Kurt Koffka, formulated the principles of Gestalt theory that focused on how humans perceive and interpret the world around them as organized patterns and structures.

Key Concepts:

Wertheimer’s key concepts in Gestalt psychology include the principles of “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts” and the idea that perception is not just the result of simple sensory elements but is influenced by the organization of these elements. He conducted several influential experiments, such as the phi phenomenon, which showed how motion could be perceived from a sequence of still images.

Legacy:

Max Wertheimer’s work in Gestalt psychology laid the foundation for understanding perception, problem-solving, and cognitive processes. His theories continue to have a significant impact in various fields, including psychology, philosophy, design, and education.