WEEK 5 FORUM PSYC221

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School

American Public University *

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Course

221

Subject

Philosophy

Date

Dec 6, 2023

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docx

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2

Uploaded by GeneralSeal3550

For this week's discussion topic, we are taking a deeper look at the Humanistic and Existential approaches. The Humanistic approach focuses on an individual's uniqueness, value, and worth. This approach concentrates not only on the observer's perspective but also on the person's perspective. Furthermore, the humanistic approach is opposed to the psychoanalytic approach due to the nature in which the system is constructed. The psychoanalytical approach is tailored based on the reliance on the unconscious. It also relies on the intuitive and irrational forces believed to determine an individual's behavior and thoughts. A humanist is more inclined to accept the goodness in others. They focus on the significance of human values and humans' creative and energetic nature (Mcleod, S., 2023). The existential approach concentrates on the relationship between the world and the people. Existentialism stresses the importance of recognizing that the world cannot exist without the people, and the people cannot exist without the world. The approach produced a theory that urges others to study an individual in relation to creativity, ingenuity, and self- fulfillment. Of the two perspectives discussed, Carl Rodgers was drawn to the humanistic approach. Rodgers believed that individuals would grow in an environment of genuineness, acceptance, and empathy. Rodgers defined genuineness as openness/self-disclosure, acceptance as unconditional positive regard, and empathy as being listened to and understood (Kelland, M., 2017). It is a neutral factor when using existentialism as a framework to take a closer look at the changes and crises that lead individuals to reconsider their values. Depending on the individual's perspective, intending to understand existentialism better, the approach may be positive or negative. For many years of a person's life, they are told they were born with a purpose. Conversely, existentialism suggests that a person is born first, and throughout their lives, they
develop a sense of purpose or, in other words, an essence. With this theory, one can view existentialism as contributing to developing one's personality and mindset. In contrast, others may think existentialism harms people due to the massive amount of freedom accompanying this approach. Having the free will to generate your own moral code and live life how you decide to comes with many consequences (YouTube., 2016). Regarding the information provided, existentialism would suggest that no one has the answers in times of change and crises. At the same time, most people may allow said changes and crises to weigh them down. An existentialist would use the circumstances as fuel to redirect their thoughts and actions. Understanding existentialism and that changes and crises arise to change the tempo of one's life allows greater room for a more positive outlook on life during those moments, which would result in a person reconsidering their values.
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