Disobedience as a Psychological and Moral Problem

Throughout history human beings living in societies have been conditioned to perceive obedience as a "virtue" and disobedience as a "vice" (Fromm 1). Whether through threat of punishment or coercion, Nazi Germany shows the degree that people who obey will go to before disobeying a higher power. In Disobedience as a Psychological and Moral Problem, Erich Fromm maintains that this conditioning is a threat to the future of mankind because freedom is required for disobedience and disobedience requires freedom. Far from being the notorious sin it is portrayed as, Fromm argues that Adam disobeying God freed mankind and permitted Adam and Eve to become "fully human" (Fromm 1). Fromm argues that certain perks are provided to those who conform from promotions to increased power, but many of these are not affirming if life. He maintains that despite our conditioning to obey, man most evolves through acts of disobedience. After critiquing this thesis, it is readily apparent that the greatest advances in civilization have come from disobedience rather th

Related Essays

The Lottery .... social pressure." Fromm, Erich. "Disobedience as a psychological and moral problem." Milgrom, Stanley. "The perils of obedience." (1122 4 )

The Lottery and Issue of Obedience .... social pressure." Fromm, Erich. "Disobedience as a psychological and moral problem." Milgrom, Stanley. "The perils of obedience." (1122 4 )

Paradise Lost .... thee to have heard Of disobedience; firm they .... the temporal world's sensible and psychological experiences, as .... can elude comprehension--by a moral universe as .... (5393 22 )

Misogyny in North American Society .... The disobedience of Lot's wife and her transformation .... In a Different Voice: Psychological Theory and Women's .... for Catholic Ethics." Readings in Moral Theology. .... (4576 18 )

Issue of Women's Reproductive Rights .... as the specific act which created disobedience in millions of .... matter, both appealing to important moral considerations .... there may be a psychological advantage in .... (3920 16 )

Category: Psychology - D