Webster's Dictionary Definition of Psychology:
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Psy`cholŽo`gy
n. 1. The science of the human soul; specifically, the systematic or scientific knowledge of the powers and functions of the human soul, so far as they are known by consciousness; a treatise on the human soul.
Psychology, the science conversant about the phenomena of the mind, or conscious subject, or self.
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Despite the fact that it says science twice, here is the
definition of Science:
Quote:
SciŽence
n. 1. Knowledge; knowledge of principles and causes; ascertained truth of facts.
2. Accumulated and established knowledge, which has been systematized and formulated with reference to the discovery of general truths or the operation of general laws; knowledge classified and made available in work, life, or the search for truth; comprehensive, profound, or philosophical knowledge.
3. Especially, such knowledge when it relates to the physical world and its phenomena, the nature, constitution, and forces of matter, the qualities and functions of living tissues, etc.; - called also natural science, and physical science.
4. Any branch or department of systematized knowledge considered as a distinct field of investigation or object of study; as, the science of astronomy, of chemistry, or of mind.
5. Art, skill, or expertness, regarded as the result of knowledge of laws and principles.
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I'd say that pretty much wraps it up then. Of course it is true that Psychology tells us less precise things about its chosen field of study than say physics (which itself has its own limits and uncertainties), but rather than being a failing, I'd suggest it was more to do with the complexity of the subject.