What is Mental Science?
Last updated: March 2, 2026
The science of Mind and Spirit; a systematic knowledge of the laws of the Mental and Spiritual World.
Understanding Mental Science in New Thought
The science of Mind and Spirit; a systematic knowledge of the laws of the Mental and Spiritual World. An early name for the New Thought movement. Thomas Troward is considered "the Father of New Thought in England" and his Edinburgh and Dore Lectures are subtitled "on Mental Science".
Mental Science, a foundational concept within the New Thought tradition, posits that the universe operates according to immutable spiritual laws, much like the physical world adheres to scientific principles. This systematic understanding of the Mind and Spirit emphasizes the creative power of thought and consciousness in shaping one's reality. Historically, it served as an early designation for the New Thought movement itself, highlighting its aspiration to elevate spiritual understanding to the rigor and predictability of scientific inquiry. Its significance lies in providing a framework for conscious co-creation, empowering individuals to intentionally direct their lives through mental discipline and spiritual alignment.
What the Teachers Say
Mental Science vs. Material Science
Mental Science and Material Science represent two fundamentally different approaches to understanding reality. While Material Science studies physical phenomena through external observation, Mental Science investigates the mental and spiritual laws that govern manifestation.
| Aspect | Mental Science | Material Science |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Mind and consciousness as creative forces | Physical matter and external phenomena |
| Methodology | Inner observation and spiritual discernment | External experimentation and measurement |
| Causation View | Mental states create physical conditions | Physical forces determine outcomes |
| Problem Solving | Change consciousness to change circumstances | Manipulate external conditions directly |
| Ultimate Reality | Spirit and mind as fundamental substance | Matter and energy as basic components |
Etymology
The term "Mental Science" is a compound of Latin and Old French origins. "Mental" derives from the Latin "mentalis," meaning "of the mind," itself from "mens," or "mind." "Science" comes from the Old French "science," originating from the Latin "scientia," meaning "knowledge" or "a knowing." Thus, "Mental Science" literally translates to "knowledge of the mind" or "the science of the mind," reflecting its practitioners' aim to systematically understand and apply mental principles.
How to Practice This
Practitioners of Mental Science engage in specific techniques to apply its principles, primarily through affirmative prayer, visualization, and conscious thought direction. Affirmative prayer involves stating desired outcomes as if they are already accomplished, thereby aligning one's consciousness with the intended reality. Visualization exercises encourage vivid mental imagery of goals achieved, imprinting these desired states upon the subconscious mind. Daily meditation and journaling are also employed to cultivate mental discipline and maintain a positive, constructive mindset, reinforcing the belief in the power of thought to manifest experience.
Connection to Manifestation
Mental Science provides the theoretical framework for understanding manifestation as a natural law rather than supernatural phenomenon. By studying how thoughts, beliefs, and mental states create physical reality, Mental Science reveals the mechanics of the Law of Attraction. This scientific approach to consciousness demonstrates that manifestation follows discoverable principles, making it possible to consciously direct creative power. Mental Science transforms manifestation from wishful thinking into systematic application of universal mental laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mental Science focuses on the creative and spiritual aspects of mind, treating consciousness as a divine principle that shapes reality. Psychology studies mental processes and behavior from a primarily materialistic perspective, viewing mind as a product of brain function rather than a creative force.
Mental Science was the original name for what became the New Thought movement. Early pioneers like Thomas Troward and Phineas Quimby used this term to emphasize the scientific study of mental and spiritual laws, establishing the intellectual foundation for New Thought philosophy.
Mental Science operates on the premise that mental phenomena follow discoverable laws that can be tested through experience and observation. While its methods differ from material science, practitioners document consistent results when applying mental laws to healing, manifestation, and personal transformation.
Core principles include the primacy of mind over matter, the unity of individual consciousness with Universal Mind, and the law that thoughts create corresponding physical conditions. Mental Science also emphasizes the distinction between objective and subjective mental faculties and their respective functions in creation.
Practice involves studying mental laws, observing how thoughts affect experience, and consciously directing mental states toward desired outcomes. This includes meditation, affirmative prayer or treatment, belief examination, and systematic application of mental principles to daily challenges and goals.
In the Source Texts (12)
…burgh which led to the publication of my first book, the "Edinburgh Lectures on Mental Science." The following years I gave a second course of lectures in Edinburgh, but the friends who had kindly entertained me on the former occasion…
…interior sources of stimulus to our mental faculties is an important branch of Mental Science, because the mental action thus set up works just as accurately through the physical correspondences as those which start from the recognit…
…ual mind this difficulty might arise; but if there is one lesson the student of Mental Science should take to heart more than another, it is that the action of thought-power is not limited to a circumscribed individuality. What the in…
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Used by: Troward, Holmes, Mulford, Hudson, T. Troward