FROM THE AGGRESSIVE DRIVE TO THE SOCIAL FEELING: ON ADLER’S TRAIL

Abstract

This article aims at catching the creative moments that brought Alfred Adler to formulate the basic principles of his doctrine, but also to modify the contents, if necessary. Starting from the inferiority feeling, we analyze the tools to overcome it: from the aggressive drive, to the masculine protest, to the will of power and the superiority complex. Concerning the will of power, we suggest a comparison between Adler’s conception and Nietzsche’s. We focus on the cooperative task and, as we are speaking of innatism, on the concept of social feeling. The article ends with a reflection on the doctrine of emotions