Marx and Freud in Erich Fromm reading: some notes

Abstract

The theoretical apparatus used by Erich Fromm on his analysis of contemporary society is based on two main sources: Marx and Freud. The approach of these different chains of thought also happened with the critical theorists of the Institute for Social Research at the University of Frankfurt, as Max Horkheimer, Theodor Adorno and Herbert Marcuse. Erich Fromm was member of the Institute, where he contributed decisively to the convergence of psychoanalysis and Marxism in the early years of this institution. Afterwards, he breaks his ties with the Institute and develops an original analysis of contemporary society, with the main theoretical framework being a singular way of reading the works of Marx and Freud.