Critique and Affirmation in Erich Fromm

Critique and Affirmation in Erich Fromm explores the relations between Erich Fromm's theory and practice in politics and the psychoanalytic clinic - their points of continuity and contradiction. Drawing on a systematic reading of Fromm's published output, as well as extensive research in the Fromm archives, Matheus Romanetto extracts the fragments of ontology, logic, and ethics implicit in his writings, leading to a re-evaluation of Fromm's place in 20th century intellectual history. Interpolated with the theoretical argument are three historical excursi thematizing Fromm's practice in political life, religious life, and the psychoanalytic clinic, setting the grounds for a new political sociology of radical humanism and critical theory. Critique and Affirmation in Erich Fromm will be of great interest to psychoanalysts and to scholars of psychoanalytic studies, sociology, contemporary philosophy, political theory, and critical theory.

Matheus Romanetto is a Brazilian sociologist. His work brings together aspects of social theory, psychoanalysis, and philosophy in the investigation of intellectual, political, and religious movements, exploring their social psychology and structure.

Acknowledgments Introduction: Problems, Methods, Solutions Part I: Metapsychology And Society Chapter I: Phenomenology And Dynamics of Erich Fromm's Works 1. Style and Idea 2. Two Methods Meet 3. Time, Force, and Experience 4. Process, System, and Language 5. Quality and Quantity 6. Logic Part II: Life And Politics Chapter II: Anthropology and Sociology 1. The Concept of Life A) Organic And Psychic Life B) Organic And Psychic Death 2. The Human Being A) Evolution B) Conditions Of Existence I. Sexual Instinct and Eroticism II. Aggressive Instinct C) Human Nature I. Essential Qualities II. Laws III. Essence 3. Society A) Phylogenesis And Evolution B) Cooperation And Relatedness C) Mode Of Production and Alienation D) Potency and Existence Chapter Iii: To Go to The Roots: Fromm and Marcuse After The Dissent Debate 1. Theory 2. Ethics 3. Politics Part III: Ontology And the Clinic Chapter Iv: Aspects Of Ontology (1937-1964) 1. Phenomenology and Economy 2. Mutual Presupposition, Reflection, And Structuration 3. Affinity and Generativity 4. Convergence and Blends 5. Activity and Contemplation Chapter V: To Touch Reality: Language and Experience in Erich Fromm's Clinics 1. History and Suffering 2. Technique and Vitality 3. Truth and Reality Chapter IV: Critique And Praxis Chapter VI: Aspects Of Logic and Ethics (1964-1980) 1. Reflexivity 2. Self-Awareness and Conscience 3. Differentiation and Freedom 4. Affirmation and Negation Chapter VII: To Fill the Hearts of Men with A New Spirit: Politics in Erich Fromm's Thought and Action 1. Humanism as Political Formation 2. The Social Psychology of Humanistic Movements 3. Humanism and The Way of The World 4. Strategy, Tactics, Principles 5. The Powers That Be and The World to Come Conclusion: Toward A Political Sociology 1. Psychological Presuppositions to Political Life 2. Goals 3. Mobilization 4. Means 5. Organization 6. Structure