Books > Social sciences > Psychology > Philosophy & theory of psychology
|
Buy Now
Humanity Against Itself - The Retreat from Reason (Paperback)
Loot Price: R666
Discovery Miles 6 660
|
|
Humanity Against Itself - The Retreat from Reason (Paperback)
Expected to ship within 12 - 19 working days
|
In this broad overview of humanity's predicament, psychiatrist
Benjamin Kovitz illustrates the parallels between anxiety in the
individual and discord in civilisation as a whole. Kovitz
emphasises that civilisation rests upon the precarious foundation
of human nature, with its age-old tendencies toward self-deception,
violence, and pursuit of power. He argues that resistance to facing
our hidden motives is what lies at the core of political and
religious strife as well as individual anxiety. At the heart of the
book is an illuminating chapter on the meaning of anxiety,
explaining with clarity and detail how the pathology arises, how it
is expressed, and how it can be relieved. The complexities of the
condition are portrayed in vivid clinical examples, often using the
patients' own words. Kovitz takes issue with the current practice
of relying solely on psychiatric medication without addressing the
patient's understanding of what his or her symptoms mean.On the
societal level, Kovitz shows how evasion of reality complicates our
efforts at progress and peaceful coexistence, despite the advances
of science and democracy, and how defensive behaviour among nations
can culminate in war. Turning to religion, Kovitz explores the
psychological underpinnings of our need for religion and briefly
summarises the major world faiths with an eye to their underlying
attitudes and assumptions. While pointing out the contradictions
inherent in a literal approach to religious dogma, the author
appreciates the need for faith that transcends logic. In a
psychiatric evaluation of the life of Saint Teresa of Avila, Kovitz
recognises pathological anxiety yet respects the therapeutic value
of her religious visions. Writing with eloquence while avoiding
psychological jargon, Kovitz elucidates our human dilemmas with a
clarity and depth that can help us move toward sanity in an
unpredictable and troubled world.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
|
You might also like..
Cool It!
Mark Potter, Colin Northmore
Paperback
R60
Discovery Miles 600
See more
|
Email address subscribed successfully.
A activation email has been sent to you.
Please click the link in that email to activate your subscription.