Theory as Self-Portrait and the Ideal of Objectivity

Author:

Riebel Linda1

Affiliation:

1. Saybrook Institute (formerly Humanistic Psychology Institute), 1772 Vallejo, San Francisco, California 94123.

Abstract

This article addresses the epistemological issue of the theorist's subjectivity. I suggest that theories of human nature reflect the theorist's personality as he or she externalizes it or projects it onto humanity at large. This article extends this familiar proposition by proposing that there are two forms of externalization: static externalization, in which the theorist projects outward his or her own structures, and dynamic externalization, in which the theorist projects outward his or her needs. In the first, the theory of human nature is a selfportrait of the theorist as he or she is; in the second, the theory is a self-portrait emphasizing what the theorist needs. After a review of the philosophical positions on the issue of the fundamental subjectivity of knowledge, I consider Freud and Adler as instances of the contrasting styles of externalization. Their personal histories, peer relation-ships, and their clinical arrangements are reviewed for evidence that their theories are externalizations of themselves. I conclude, on the basis of these arguments, that the case is quite strong that theory inevitably contains large elements of self-portrait. This is taken as a cause not for despair, but for caution. The value of theories of human nature is not denied, but they are seen as members of an array of descriptions, in each of which there is lodged a valid description of some portions of humanity.

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Subject

Sociology and Political Science,Philosophy,Social Psychology

Reference74 articles.

Cited by 5 articles. 订阅此论文施引文献 订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献

1. Humanistic Research in Self-Study: A History of Transformation*;International Handbook of Self-Study of Teaching and Teacher Education Practices;2004

2. Carl Rogers's Personality Theory and Psychotherapy as a Reflection of His Life Experience and Personality;Journal of Humanistic Psychology;1995-10

3. The Evolution of Research Methods for the Study of Human Experience;Journal of Humanistic Psychology;1987-10

4. New Paradigm Research;Recent Research in Psychology;1986

5. Humanistic Psychology;Small Group Behavior;1982-08

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