Freud: On Instinct and Morality - Softcover

Abel, Donald C.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0791400255 ISBN 13: 9780791400258

Publisher: State Univ of New York Pr, 1989

Synopsis

This book examines Freud’s changing views of human instincts, exploring the moral and social implications. Part One investigates Freud’s concept of instinct and discusses the phases of his ongoing attempt to classify the instincts. In Part Two the author argues that Freud’s instinct theory leads to a moral philosophy, and he relates this philosophy to Freud’s views on group psychology.

The notion of instinct is central to psychoanalytic theory, but never before has it been treated so comprehensively, with such close attention to the text. Nor has anyone previously examined in detail the moral and social implications of Freud’s instinct theory. In examining these implications, Abel bridges the fields of psychology and philosophy.

About this title

About the Author:

Donald C. Abel is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at St. Norbert College.

Review:

“This careful, systematic, and thorough treatment of the moral theory implicit in Freud’s ideas makes an important contribution. The book is a first-rate piece of scholarship, performing a needed service. It helps restore the kind of continuity of inquiry between philosophy and psychology which is sorely needed.” ― Michael A. Wallach, Duke University

“The author does a nice job of locating his analysis squarely in the middle of the Freudian texts.” ― Robert Hogan, McFarlin Professor and Chair, Department of Psychology, University of Tulsa

About this edition

• Publisher: State Univ of New York Pr
• Publication date: 1989
• ISBN 10: 0791400255
• ISBN 13: 9780791400258
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 123