PSYB30H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 14: Existentialism, Western Philosophy, Psychoanalysis

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Both existential and psychoanalysis theories stem from understanding of anxiety, despair and alienation. Existentialism focuses on the human being as he/she is emerging or becoming: understand human beings in terms of drives and forces. Western philosophy concentrates on essence of being, the laws that are believed to govern existence. May believed that when we are using abstract concepts we are not talking about the real person. Believed preoccupation with lawfulness and predictability stands in the way of understanding the real person. Seeks to explain simpler things with more complex terms. Deals with the knowledge of what it means to be human. Existentialism resists objectivity, because some truths such as understanding what it means to be, are found through personal involvement. Believe that human knowledge is ultimately interpersonal. May believed the central problem we face is powerlessness. With increased technology power has become impersonal acting on its own behalf. The fear of nuclear war is a prime example.