Liberation in the Face of Uncertainty: A New Development in Dialogical Self Theory

by Hubert J. M. Hermans

Overview

In this volume, Dialogical Self Theory is innovatively presented as a guide to help elucidate some of the most pressing problems of our time as they emerge at the interface of self and society. As a bridging framework at the interface of the social sciences and philosophy, Dialogical Self Theory provides a broad view of problem areas that place us in a field of tension between liberation and social imprisonment. With climate change and the coronavirus pandemic serving as wake-up calls, the book focuses on the experience of uncertainty, the disenchantment of the world, the pursuit of happiness, and the cultural limitations of the Western self-ideal. Now more than ever we need to rethink the relationship between self, other, and the natural environment, and this book uses Dialogical Self Theory to explore actual and potential responses of the self to these urgent challenges.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781108948135
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	10/26/2023
Pages:	347
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.72(d)

About the Author

Hubert J. M. Hermans is Emeritus Professor of Psychology at Radboud University, the Netherlands. He is known internationally as the founder of Dialogical Self Theory, which has been applied in over 90 countries. Hermans has authored or edited over 40 books, including The Dialogical Self: Meaning as Movement co-authored with Harry J. G. Kempen (1993), Handbook of Dialogical Self Theory co-edited with Thorsten Gieser (Cambridge, 2012), and Citizenship Education and the Personalization of Democracy co-authored with Rob Bartels (2021).

Table of Contents

Preface; Introduction; 1. Playing with Plato; 2. Centralization and decentralization of the self throughout the history of philosophy; 3. The other as heaven and hell: the positional basis of dialogue; 4. Re-enchantment of the world; 5. Imprisonment and liberation of the self; 6. Uncertainty in the self; 7. Multiple well-being and other-inclusive happiness.

Editorial Reviews

‘This is a remarkable and engrossing book at the dynamic interface of psychology and philosophy, with broad theoretical range and rich existential and cultural implications. Its lucidity and measured sense of the complex dimensions of the dialogical self make it a model guide to self-maintenance in an uncertain world.’ Robert E. Innis, University of Massachusetts Lowell, USA

‘This is a much-needed text which offers a deep exploration of the process of liberation and its counterpart, confinement. Hermans presents a thorough investigation into not only self-liberation but also our collective liberation, with an awareness of the tensions that exist in between. This is a comprehensive book which informs the reader but also engages them in a deep process of reflection. A great accomplishment and an important book for our times.’ Emma Kay, University of Roehampton, UK

‘Hermans is one of the world’s most insightful psychologists. In this masterpiece, he sheds light on previous gaps of his Dialogical Self Theory with grace. With a refreshing integration of philosophical, embodied and sociocultural perspectives, he has unveiled a highly applicable understanding of our human condition.’ Olga V. Lehmann, Institutt for Psykologisk Rådgivning (IPR), Norway

’[A] masterful work … [t]his book will interest students, scholars, and activist-practitioners who want novel ways to reground their thinking in philosophy and psychology. … Recommended.’ M. Uebel, Choice

From the Publisher