ZOOPSYCHOLOGY IN THE MIRROR OF THE HISTORY OF PSYCHOLOGY

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive historical and scientific analysis of the formation and development of zoopsychology as a separate branch of psychological knowledge, which is formed at the intersection of biology, evolutionary theory, psychology, and ethics of human interaction with animals. It demonstrates that the origins of ideas about the animal psyche can be traced back to ancient philosophy, but the key moment was the emergence of the evolutionary paradigm proposed by Charles Darwin. It substantiated the concept of continuous mental development and created the basis for the comparative scientific study of animal behavior. The contribution of classical trends in psychology, such as behaviorism, experimental psychology, and ethology, which formed the methodology and empirical basis for the study of learning processes, instincts, adaptive behavior, and social interactions in the animal world, is analyzed. Particular attention is paid to the works of E. Thorndike, B.F. Skinner, K. Lorenz, and N. Tinbergen, whose research has become the basis for modern experimental approaches. The features of the current stage of development of zoopsychology are outlined, which is marked by an increased interest in cognitive processes, the emotional sphere, the social intelligence of animals, and interspecies communication. The importance of zoopsychology for applied practical activities is emphasized: veterinary medicine, eco-psychology, nature conservation, zootherapy, animal rehabilitation programs, and the development of a humane attitude towards living beings in society and in the educational environment. The ethical aspects of scientific research and compliance with international standards of humane treatment of animals were raised. It was concluded that modern zoopsychology is an interdisciplinary scientific system that combines fundamental research with applied tasks. It has significant potential for development thanks to the digitalization of science, the improvement of research methods, and the strengthening of a humanistic approach to the coexistence of humans and animals.