@misc{Cheng, author = {Cheng, Aiai}, title = {Fromm's Theory of Social Unconsciousness [述评弗洛姆的社会无意识理论], Master thesis, Marxist Philosophy, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei, China 2012.}, abstract = {Fromm is an important contemporary Western philosopher, psychologist and sociologist. His theory of social unconsciousness analyses deeply the nature, causes and operating mechanism of the social unconsciousness, and the way of revealing the social unconsciousness. In doing this it unveils the mystery of the social unconsciousness. It is of great significance for us to understand this theory. Fromm's theory of social unconsciousness is based on Freud's theory of individual unconsciousness and the Marxist doctrine of social existence and social consciousness. He treats Freud's theory of individual unconsciousness as an intermediate step of interaction between social existence and social consciousness according to the Marxist doctrine, thus complementing the Marxist theory. At the same time, He transforms Freud's theory of individual unconsciousness into the theory of social unconsciousness with the help of Marxist social theory. It is through this creative comprehension that Fromm creates his own theory of social unconsciousness.- Fromm gives a detailed explanation on those many issues involved in the theory of social unconsciousness. In his view, the social unconsciousness is same for most members of a society, repressing or unperceiving certain mental content. The core of the social unconsciousness is depression, the psychological roots of fear. It is the fear of certain objects that lead people to repress some inner experience. The operation of the social depression is carried out by three kinds of >social filter<, that is, of the language, logic, and social taboos, which depress certain mental contents into unconsciousness that can't go through the filters. However, the social repression itself will lead to the false social consciousness, and it is the social unconsciousness that represents the more complete humanity, so that only can the transformation of social unconsciousness into consciousness achieve the >common goal of human nature<.- Therefore, we must remove the depression. The specific method is to intuit unconsciousness through the emotional experience of individuals, as well as to criticize the >false consciousness< through the humanitarian social criticism. Only in this way can people become complete and free, and can the society become sound. Fromm's theory of social unconsciousness has some important theoretical contributions, for it enriches and integrates the doctrine of Marx and Freud, and provides reasonable argument for the social reforms and feasible recommendations to solve the problems of the contemporary social problems. But it also has some important theoretical defects, for Fromm's understanding of Marx is distorted and Freudianism, and it is unrealistic of his humanitarian standpoint, the presumption of >common goal of human nature<, and the doctrine of >psychological revolution<. Finally, Fromm's theory of social unconsciousness has important implications for contemporary Chinese society. It is revelation that we must unswervingly adhere to the road of Marxism in China, to social reform, and to the socialist spiritual civilization and socio-cultural construction. Only in this way can we truly build a harmonious society.}, language = {zh} }