HUMAN NATURE AND THEORY

The impact of Freud's thought has been widespread. Beyond radically altering the field of psychology and founding the entirely new discipline of psychoanalysis, Freud's theories have deeply influenced the ways in which modern man sees himself. Psychoanalysis provides an understanding of man and his psyche, as well as a theoretical comprehension of social life. As a theory which uncovers psychological repression and domination imposed by social and political institutions, psychoanalysis has direct implications for those academic disciplines which study man, society, and politics. However, while psychoanalysis has penetrated the common culture and developed into a social force in itself, the theory has been difficult to characterize on the whole. The ambiguity within psychoanalysis along with its dual nature as theory and practical therapy has generated conflicting notions regarding the nature of Freud's thought.

This study explores the radical and conservative sides to Freud's thought, both as theory and therapy, and then reconstructs those concepts most relevant to political analysis. As such, the most important notions of psychoanalysis which pertain to human development are high-lighted and joined together as the basis for a critical theory. The initial interest is to understand the nature of this Freudian theory as it focuses upon the psychological prerequisites for social and political life: conscience, affection, group sentiment, and notions of authority.

After the Freudian theory itself is examined and its character is understood, the study turns to a comparison with other traditions of political and social thought. The psychoanalytic perspective regarding the individual and his relationship to social and political forces is contrasted with the general conceptions assumed by such diverse theoretical traditions as liberalism, Marxism, and modern social and political science. The psychoanalytic method of investigation is examined for its contribution in offering a coherent theoretical approach for studying the individual within his social environment.

Other traditions which have utilized the psychoanalytic conception of human nature have been successful in pursuing such a critical understanding of man in society and politics. The Frankfurt School theorists are examined for just such an approach. The integration of psychoanalysis and critical theory by Max Horkheimer, Theodor Adorno, Erich Fromm, and Herbert Marcuse provides the model for a fruitful use of Freudian conceptions in political analysis. Their studies of the fascist personality, the role of the family, and the internalization of authority were guided by a critical neo-Marxist analysis as well as a psychoanalytic understanding of human nature. Marcuse went farthest in grounding Freud's theoretical concepts to a historical perspective devoted to radical political change.

This study concludes by exploring the implications of a therapeutic model of politics. Such an approach is contrasted with the use of psychoanalysis by the Frankfurt theorists. Several theorists are discussed who suggest a retreat from politics into a therapeutic solution for social conflict. The eminent political scientist Harold Lasswell held a notion of a "politics of prevention" which comes close to substituting a therapeutic release of psychological tension for politics itself. The merits and weaknesses of such a therapeutic model of politics are discussed from the perspective of a Freudian theory of psychological development. The general theme of the study suggests that while psychoanalysis can shed light upon the ways in which politics penetrates the psyche, it cannot replace politics as the appropriate form of therapy for the problems of social life.

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