On September 12th, we will begin a discussion of The Collected Clinical Works of Alfred Adler, Volume 6, Chapters XIV & XV. The following chapter summaries were prepared by Manu Jaaskelainen.
Ch. XIV
Psychology and Medicine (1928) is a paper on the foundations of medical psychology and psychotherapy. Adler appeals strongly for a psychological education of physicians. "It would not be possible for a physician to receive recognition if training in psychology does not augment his professional education." Adler says also, that the education of physicians in psychology has so far been minimal. Adler is very critical toward any forms of pessimism in medical practice. One may wonder today what that exactly means. However, in Vienna at the turn of the century the prevailing attitude among some highly respected physicians was "therapeutic nihilism": of course, we can diagnose; of course, we are not able to cure. It was this kind pessimism that Adler attacked. Although the possibilities of medical care are today definitely on a much higher level than in the beginning of the 20th century, the pessimistic attitude may still prevail among the professionals. Adler says also that the physicians cannot appear as magicians, sorcerers or such but only as fellow human beings. So it is important to find the proper balance between the almighty role of a "wonder-man" and the therapeutic pessimism ("nothing can be done"). At least, a professional can act like a compassionate fellow human. A number of other important questions are discussed in the paper, e.g. mind-body relationships and the problems of neurotic personality.
Ch. XV
The Psychology of Power (1928) was originally published in a book on pacifism. Adler takes a critical position concerning the use of power in all spheres of life. "The result of individual and social psychological inquiry is therefore: The striving for personal power is a disastrous delusion and poisons man's living together. Whoever desires the human community must renounce the striving for power over others." As an antidote to power striving, Adler presents the idea of social interest. Adler argues that in the end social feeling always prevails. It is impossible to smother it. Adler refers to Dostoyevsky's
Crime and Punishment: Raskolnikov must, before committing a murder, first lie in bed a month and meditate whether he is a louse or Napoleon. "We need the conscious preparation and advancement of a mighty social interest and the complete demolition of greed and power in the individual and in people."
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