Abstract

A discussion of the nature of spiritual growth. Selected elements of the literature of psychoanalysis are subjected to exposition and criticism. Certain Eastern spiritual teachings, such as the doctrine of karma, are reviewed and integrated into the argument. As a critic both of Freudianism and of various ego-psychologies, Fingarette offers a number of helpful aperçus. A tightly-argued critique is directed against the usual "hidden reality" interpretation of Freud's structural accounts of mental activity. One can only wish that Fingarette had subjected drive theory and Freud's various economic accounts to as tough a criticism.--G. D. D.