The Fromm-Marcuse debate revisited

  • The interpretation of Erich FROMM's work by Herbert Marcuse as essentially conformist in nature is challenged; it is claimed that this view distorts the general tenor and specific content of FROMM's writings. FROMM's rejection of Sigmund Freud's libido theory does not indicate a transition from radical to conformist theories. Instead, it is argued that he developed a consistently critical social psychology, even after rejecting libido theory. FROMM's Marxist social psychology is analyzed, as is Marcuse's critique. Because of Marcuse's criticism, FROMM came to be regarded as a conformist thinker; and Russell Jacoby adopted essentially the same position. In conclusion, it is acknowledged there is some validity to the Marcuse-Jacoby criticism of FROMM's work, but rejecting FROMM as a socially critical thinker is not justified.

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Metadaten
Author:John Rickert
Parent Title (English):Theory and Society, Dordrecht (Martinus Nijhoff Publishers), Vol. 15 (1986), pp. 351-400 [cf. RICKERT, J., 1983]
Document Type:Articles
Language:English
Year of first Publication:1986
Release Date:2012/12/13
Format:PDF-file to download
IdNo:Rickert_J_1986
Writings about Erich Fromm (Secondary Literature):Articles / Artikel
Erich Fromm's Library and Erich Fromm Archive:Articles / Artikel
International Erich Fromm Society's Writings:Articles / Artikel
Licence (German):License Logofree access / direkt zugänglich
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