- 1. In 'The Fear of Freedom,' Erich Fromm explores the complex relationship between individual freedom and the psychological ramifications it entails. Fromm posits that with the rise of modern society, particularly in the wake of the Enlightenment, individuals gained unprecedented liberties, yet paradoxically experienced increasing feelings of isolation and anxiety. He delves into the historical context, tracing how the transition from a feudal society to a capitalist one has allowed for greater autonomy, while simultaneously fostering a profound sense of alienation. Fromm argues that this fear of freedom leads individuals to escape from freedom into various forms of authoritarianism, conformism, and dependence, seeking security in submission to authority figures or ideologies. Through his psychological analysis, he emphasizes the need for a balance between freedom and connection, advocating for a humanistic approach that nurtures individuality while fostering interpersonal relationships. Ultimately, Fromm's work serves as a profound commentary on the dichotomy of freedom, examining its potential to liberate as well as to instill fear and anxiety in the human experience.
According to Fromm, what is the primary psychological conflict that freedom creates?
A) It simplifies the process of making choices.
B) It creates feelings of isolation and powerlessness.
C) It leads to an immediate increase in happiness.
D) It eliminates all anxiety from human life.
- 2. Fromm argues that the rise of which economic system intensified the feeling of individual isolation?
A) Capitalism
B) Feudalism
C) Mercantilism
D) Socialism
- 3. What term does Fromm use for the mechanism where individuals surrender their freedom to a powerful leader or system?
A) The Oedipus complex
B) Cognitive dissonance
C) Existential dread
D) Escape from Freedom
- 4. Fromm's analysis is deeply influenced by the theories of which psychologist?
A) Sigmund Freud
B) B.F. Skinner
C) Jean Piaget
D) Carl Jung
- 5. Fromm argues that true freedom requires:
A) A realization of one's self and spontaneity.
B) The guidance of a strong political party.
C) The complete absence of any rules or society.
D) A return to instinctual animal behavior.
- 6. The feeling of individual powerlessness and isolation is also known as:
A) Agoraphobia
B) Alienation
C) Angst
D) Anomie
- 7. Fromm's work is a blend of Freudian psychoanalysis and what other major intellectual tradition?
A) Marxist social theory
B) Stoic philosophy
C) Utilitarianism
D) Existentialism
- 8. Fromm published 'The Fear of Freedom' during which major world event?
A) The Cold War
B) World War I
C) The Great Depression
D) World War II
- 9. What is the 'masochistic' aspect of the authoritarian character?
A) A form of self-hatred and depression.
B) The desire to be physically punished.
C) The desire to submit to an external power.
D) An irrational fear of authority figures.
- 10. What does Fromm suggest is the relationship between freedom and democracy?
A) Democracy naturally produces psychologically free individuals.
B) Freedom is a threat to a stable democracy.
C) They are two completely unrelated concepts.
D) Political freedom is not enough without psychological freedom.
- 11. In his analysis of the Reformation, Fromm focuses on the teachings of:
A) Ignatius of Loyola
B) Martin Luther and John Calvin
C) Desiderius Erasmus and Thomas More
D) Augustine of Hippo
- 12. How does Fromm view the connection between economic factors and psychology?
A) Only the upper economic classes are psychologically affected by the economy.
B) Psychology has no relation to economics.
C) Economic systems are a direct result of individual psychopathology.
D) Economic systems shape the psychological character of society.
- 13. Fromm argues that modern humans escape the burden of freedom through what mechanism?
A) Economic prosperity
B) Rational debate
C) Creative art
D) Authoritarianism
- 14. What historical period does Fromm analyze as a key point in the development of individual freedom?
A) The Renaissance
B) The Reformation
C) The Enlightenment
D) The Industrial Revolution
- 15. What does 'automaton conformity' involve?
A) Rejecting all social norms
B) Practicing mindfulness meditation
C) Adopting the personality offered by cultural patterns
D) Becoming a literal robot
- 16. Fromm was a member of which school of thought?
A) The Bloomsbury Group
B) The Vienna Circle
C) The Chicago School
D) The Frankfurt School
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