ABSTRACT
The book offers case studies of well-known scientists, each of which aims to describe the psychological context (cognitive, social, and personal) of contributions for which the scientist is known. The case studies are intended to have pedagogical value, stimulating discussion on the nature of science and its psychological dimensions. This chapter describes the framework for understanding the case studies, focusing on (1) science as activity of persons, (2) historical and contemporary understandings of “person,” and (3) the personological tradition that foregrounds the uniqueness of lives. Methods and limitations of the case studies and an overview of the chapters follow the description of the framework.
