A Philosophical Reconstruction Of Maslow's Humanist Psychology

Maslow's humanist psychology is highly philosophical in character. I, in this thesis, attempt to reconstruct the system of Maslow's humanist psychology from a philosophical point of view.To begin with, I try to show the difference between Maslow's humanist psychology and other psychological approaches in terms of metholodogy. The weaknesses of traditional psychological methodology and the strengths of Maslow approach will be highlighted.Then I will move on to a discussion of the more substantial issues, namely, the "theory of human nature" and "axiology". Traditioal philosophy was defective in these fields. Maslow sheds new light on "theory of human nature" and "axiology" on the basis of his "hierarchical theory of needs". The theory of needs is Maslow's original contribution. It is illuminative in tackling issues concerning human nature and value.Finally, I attempt to assess Maslow's theory as a whole. I will point out some of its difficulties, and try to outline the prospect of its future development.