Abstract

The main thesis of this book is that ethics ought properly to be an applied social science employing the method and findings of psychoanalysis. Psychoanalytic method enables us to distinguish authentic values from inauthentic values, and to criticize the latter; this psychoanalytic criticism of values ought, indeed, to be the primary work of the ethical philosopher. Since the ethical position which Feuer defends is in the liberal tradition of Mill, a large section of the book is dedicated to a critique of Freud's philosophy of civilization. The book's main points, unfortunately, are stated rather dogmatically and often with dubious justification. --R. B.