Name: Lesson 2 A Brief History of Human Curiosity by Professor RJ Starr in Introduction to Psychology Series - A Free Course
Duration: 10 min 59 s
Description: Before psychology became a science, it was a question—about what it means to be human. In this lesson, RJ Starr traces the evolution of that question through ancient philosophy, early medicine, and the birth of modern psychology. Discover how curiosity, culture, and method shaped what we now study as the science of the mind. Part of the free Introduction to Psychology course at profrjstarr.com.

This playlist features the complete Introduction to Psychology audio series by academic psychologist RJ Starr. Each track offers a clear, engaging exploration of core psychological concepts—from the history of the field to brain function, learning, memory, development, emotion, and identity. Designed for students, educators, and lifelong learners alike, this series translates foundational theories into accessible, thought-provoking lessons. Perfect for listening on the go or revisiting key ideas at your own pace.

Introduction to Psychology Series - A Free Course

What exactly is psychology—and how did it become the science of human thought and behavior? In this opening lesson, RJ Starr introduces the field by cutting through the pop culture myths, tracing its roots, and helping you see psychology not just as a subject, but as a way of understanding your own mind. Part of the free Introduction to Psychology course at http://profrjstarr.com 



Lesson 1 What Is Psychology, Really

Before psychology became a science, it was a question—about what it means to be human. In this lesson, RJ Starr traces the evolution of that question through ancient philosophy, early medicine, and the birth of modern psychology. Discover how curiosity, culture, and method shaped what we now study as the science of the mind. Part of the free Introduction to Psychology course at profrjstarr.com.

Lesson 2 A Brief History of Human Curiosity

How do we know what we know in psychology? In this lesson, RJ Starr explores the tools psychologists use to study behavior and thought—covering research methods, experiments, observations, and why critical thinking matters more than ever. It’s not just about what people do, but how we ask the right questions to understand why. Part of the free Introduction to Psychology course at profrjstarr.com

Lesson 3 The Science of Behavior and the Mind

Psychology doesn’t just live in the mind—it’s wired through the body. In this lesson, RJ Starr introduces the brain’s major structures, the nervous system, and the biology behind emotion, perception, and awareness. It’s a foundational look at how our physical systems shape the way we think, feel, and experience the world. Part of the free Introduction to Psychology course at profrjstarr.com.

Lesson 4 The Brain, the Body, and Consciousness

Why do we do what we do—and how do we change? In this lesson, RJ Starr breaks down the core principles of learning in psychology, including classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and reinforcement. Learn how behavior is shaped, habits are formed, and why real change takes more than just willpower. Part of the free Introduction to Psychology course at profrjstarr.com.

Lesson 5 Learning – How We Change

In this opening lesson, we explore why the nature of reality is not just a philosophical question, but a deeply psychological one. We look at how confusion, disorientation, and fragmentation affect mental health, and why understanding our internal frameworks is the first step toward clarity and coherence.



Lesson 1 - Why Reality Matters

Here we explore how the brain doesn’t just record reality—it constructs it. We dive into the science of perception, belief formation, memory distortion, and the shortcuts the mind uses to keep us safe, even when those shortcuts come at a cost.


Lesson 3 - The Mind as Filter – Perception, Belief, and Memory

This lesson breaks down what we’re actually referring to when we use the word “reality.” We unpack objective vs. subjective reality, consensus culture, and how language and cognition shape what we experience as true. Reality, it turns out, is more layered than we think.


Lesson 2 - What Do We Mean by Reality

Humans are storytelling beings. This lesson examines how we form narrative identities, how our personal stories shape what we see as real, and why meaning is often more important to us than accuracy. We also explore how healing happens when stories become more flexible.


Lesson 4 - Living in Narratives – Identity and Meaning-Making

What happens when our inner world can no longer contain what we’ve lived through? This lesson looks at trauma as a collapse of narrative coherence, the role of dissociation and dissonance, and how the mind protects itself when reality becomes unbearable.

Lesson 5 - When Reality Fractures – Trauma, Dissonance, and Distortion

Consensus reality holds communities together—but what happens when it falls apart? This lesson explores how culture, media, and belonging shape our shared sense of truth, and how psychological safety can determine what we’re even willing to believe.

Lesson 6 - Consensus and Culture – Shared Reality in a Fractured World

What if we’re not the contents of our mind? In this lesson, we explore disidentification and presence as psychological tools. You’ll learn how awareness allows us to observe thought without being ruled by it—and why this shift offers real contact with reality.

Lesson 7 - Awareness Beyond the Mind – Disidentification and Presence

In this final lesson, we look at how to live without needing certainty. We explore psychological flexibility and grounded curiosity as mature responses to a complex world—and offer an approach to reality rooted not in control, but in clarity, contact, and care.

Lesson 8 - Living With Openness – Psychological Flexibility and Grounded Curiosity

Professor RJ Starr is an academic psychologist, educator, and author exploring the inner life through the lens of emotional intelligence, regulation, and self-awareness.
This SoundCloud page features original short-form audio recordings—thoughtful reflections designed to help listeners navigate their emotions, relationships, and personal growth with clarity and maturity.

To explore more of my work, visit https://profrjstarr.com

Lesson 2 A Brief History of Human Curiosity

Professor RJ Starr

Related tracks