Alfred Adler's Individual Psychology

Please join us this Sunday as we explore Alfred Adler and his school of Individual Psychology. Adler was an early collaborator of Freud who later founded his own school of psychology.

Adlerian psychology's emphasis on emphasis on the importance of feelings of belonging, relationships within the family, and birth order set him apart from Freud and others in their common circle. Adler coined the term 'inferiority complex' and was the first to stress the importance of the social element in the re-adjustment process of the individual.

We will meet at the CAPTAIN MELVILLE, 34 Franklin St in Melbourne CBD, at 2.00pm for 2.15pm start sharp.

There is no pre-requisite preparation necessary, nor a philosophical background; all that is required is a curious mind. These discussions are both a Socrates Cafe style discussion and lively metaphysical dojo, in the spirit of learning and friendly debate, so please feel free to challenge assumptions and be prepared have your own assumptions challenged!

Find below some questions to consider, however these are free-ranging events and the below serve merely as a springboard towards a deeper discussion in waters unknown...

Some points and questions to consider before the event:

• Does goal-oriented psychology make more sense than cause-oriented (Freudian) explanations?
• To what extent is it possible to live free of past trauma or conditioning?
• Can people truly change their character—or are there inherent limits?
• Are all problems essentially interpersonal relationship problems?
• Is mental health possible without a sense of community or contribution?
• How do we balance personal freedom with the demands or expectations of community?
• Is competition inherently harmful, or can it be healthy?
• Where is the line between authentic living and selfishness?
• Is meaning created through contribution, or self-actualisation?
• What is an inferiority complex?
• Is feeling inferior necessary for growth, or can it be entirely harmful?
• What distinguishes Adler from his contemporaries, such as Freud and Jung?
• Was Adler right to reject Freud's unconscious drives?
• What is Adler's “fictional finalism”?
• What were Adler's views on homosexuality?

Hope to see you there!