Modern human from the perspective of Erich Fromm

Our study aims to critically assess the concept of modern human form the perspective of philosophical anthropology based on Fromm’s humanistic psychoanalysis. The research material is is the works of Eric Fromm and its criticisms. Method: Philosophical reflection based on the analysis of literature. One of the fundamental ideas in Erich Fromm’s work is the concept of the duality of human nature. He is convinced that recognition and investigation of this duality, and its critical analysis explain the controversial situation of modern human. By revealing this duality from psychological and social perspective, Fromm demonstrates it as conflicted and yet wholesome. His intention is to describe and explain the problem, thus preparing for its possible solutions. Fromm sees the solution by studying the art of loving, destructiveness, freedom and escape from it, productive and non-productive personality orientations, alienation and self-awareness. An individual has to be tied with the society – he or she has to comply to its demands under the risk of exile. Human duality – his biosocial nature reveals itself most evidently in the construction of his social environment, which is consumer culture. Yet another contradiction is the fact that our intellect is developed according to the standards of 20th century, yet our emotions still belong to the stone age. It follows from Fromm's work that: In contrast to Freud, all human drives are the product of the interaction between the inner and outer world, not just satisfaction of instincts, but a result of social process. The individuation gradually leads to the loss of connection with other people. Freedom leads to independence and consciousness of rationality of his existence, while at the same time triggering the sense of helplessness in human beings, instincts are substituted by the character.Main goal is to be, not to belong or possess.