The Evil We Do: The Psychoanaysis of Destructive People - Hardcover

In this provocative new book, noted psychologist Dr. Carl Goldberg responds to the psychological and philosophical issues currently ignored by contemporary psychologists and psychoanalysts. These concerns, in which humanistic and more traditional psychologists and psychoanalysts strongly differ, include:

How much free will does each of us have? How responsible are we for our behavior?

Why are the psychodynamics of self-deception (the behavior that seems to be central to most psychological and interpersonal conflicts) so difficult to describe and understand in noncontradictory terms?

Will a better understanding of self-deception enable us to formulate a useful and coherent theory of memory and of consciousness?

To what extent are psychological defenses conscious strategies and to what degree are they automatic (unconscious) processes?

Is it possible to provide an accurate explanation for love and intimacy that does not attribute its development to unresolved infantile patterns?

Is there evidence that virtuous behavior has its own developmnent rather than being derived from partially successful efforts to defend against forbidden urges?

Do we have a reasonable basis for determining the crucial tasks of living a virtuous and responsible life? If so, do we have the wherewithal to use this knowledge to help enable destructive people to overthrow their malevolent lifestyles?

THE EVIL WE DO is a book of telling insights about the most troubling aspects of human nature--knowledge that is essential if society is ever to deal effectively with the violence that plagues it. At the same time Dr. Goldberg explores what clinical practitioners must do to rekindle the torch of self-discovery and enlightenment for those who seek to live more fully and well.