L'introduction de l'enseignement de la psychologie scientifique en France : Théodule Ribot (1839-1916) à la Sorbonne (1885)

Summary : The introduction of scientificpsychology in France : Théodule Ribot (1839-1916) at the Sorbonne (1885). The present paper was written with two aims in mind : (1) to explore the context of the introduction of psychology in the French University System, and (2) to present thefirst course of experimental psychology by Th. Ribot at the Sorbonne on December 7, 1885. The Sorbonne was the first french University that recognized this new science founded in Germany by Fechner and Wundt. In France this recognition was relatively late due to the negative influence of spiritualist philosophy. The introduction of psychology was due to political, institutional, and intellectual contexts. First, the political and philosophical contexts of the time are presented. Second, the discussions at the Sorbonne concerning the foundation of the first course of experimental psychology are exposed. Finally, the whole first course of psychology, which presents a great interest for history of French psychology, is presented before concluding on the circumstances of the end of this course in February 1888. Key words : Ribot, history of psychology, Sorbonne.