Upon deep analysis of the cognitive nature of the 'Insight Learning Theory' propounded by Gestalt psychologists—Max Wertheimer, Kurt Koffka, and Wolfgang Köhler—and the famous experiments conducted by Wolfgang Köhler on the chimpanzee 'Sultan' in Tenerife, Canary Islands, on which fundamental philosophical and psychological point does this theory differ from Thorndike's 'Trial and Error Theory'?

Detailed Explanation

According to the Gestalt school of psychology, learning is not merely the result of mechanical trial and error, but is based on the insight and mental organization of the total field of the situation.

In Köhler's experiments, the chimpanzee 'Sultan' solved the problem of joining sticks together to reach the bananas suddenly through a mental leap or insight, experiencing an 'Aha! moment'. This highlights cognitive restructuring rather than blind trial and error.

• Gestalt Psychology: Focuses on whole perception and cognitive organization.
• Thorndike's Theory: Focuses on gradual stamping-in of stimulus-response bonds through mechanical repetition.