Reclaiming Humanistic Psychology From Modernity: Problems and Solutions

Abstract

This article begins as a lamentation over the historical demise of humanistic psychology programs in the United States and considers the critiques and alternatives to the humanistic tradition proposed during such transitions. The article isolates the core elements of the premodern humanistic tradition, outlines the central features of the cultural trend referred to as modernity, and shows how modernity has provided the fuel for most of the major critiques of and alternatives to the humanistic tradition. The article then shows how modernity has even influenced the way that humanistic psychology has appropriated its own premodern tradition. The article concludes with six concrete suggestions for reclaiming humanistic psychology from modernity hopefully setting it on a sounder, more valid, and potentially more effective course for the future.