The Problems of Aggression Today - The 92nd Street Y, New York

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92NY Humanities Audio Collection

The Causes of Human Aggression and Destructiveness

The Problems of Aggression Today

Apr 2, 1968


German social psychologist Erich Fromm discusses human violence and aggression. He examines Sigmund Freud's death instinct theory, also known as Thanatos or the death drive, which theorizes that humans are driven towards death and destruction, and that this manifests outwardly as aggression. Fromm also explores the theories of Konrad Lorenz, author of On Aggression (1963), which explores the idea that animals are naturally inclined to fight within their own species for resources. The discussion concludes with audience questions.

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