Towards living a better future: political vision and the humanistic conscience

  • Fromm’s theories can help the Left overcome its collective rejection of individualism and universalism, which limit socio-political possibility, offering Left solutions to these challenges and promoting alternate perspectives. His humanistic vision shares much with humanistic and positive psychology but differs in important respects. Centrally, Fromm’s notion of emancipation emphasises both individual and societal components. He believes independent and authentic relationships are a higher expression of human potential and bring true fulfilment. Fromm identifies a creative, non-alienated character orientation that includes a ‘humanistic conscience’. Comparing authoritarian and humanistic consciences, he emphasises human potential and social and individual interdependence. Personal development must also drive social change, and vice versa. Fromm’s perspective rejects zero-sum, either/or thinking about social change vis-à-vis individual flourishing. For him, both are important, and they are related. Following Fromm’s example, the Left should stress that individualistic societies cannot satisfy individual needs. Self-fulfilment requires fairness, community and shared personal experiences.

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Metadaten
Author:Jeremiah Morelock, et al.
Parent Title (English):Journal of Psychosocial Studies, Vol. 17, No. 3, pp. xx; DOI: 10.1332/14786737Y2024D000000028
Document Type:Articles
Language:English
Year of first Publication:2024
Release Date:2024/11/29
Format:to purchase via publisher
IdNo:Morelock_J_et_al_2024
Writings about Erich Fromm (Secondary Literature):Articles / Artikel
Erich Fromm's Library and Erich Fromm Archive:Articles / Artikel
Licence (German):to purchase / zu erwerben
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