Philosophy of Love According to Erich Fromm (Analytical Studies)

Abstract

Love is a gift given by God to his creatures. Muslim philosophers have discussed and explained love, as well as Western philosophers and psychologists have studied the concept of love in their respective perspectives. In this case, a phenomenal figure known as Erich Fromm who is a psychoanalyst reveals a concept of love. Some of these concepts are considered to be less in touch with Islamic values. Erich Fromm based his love on humans as he expressed in The Art of Loving that his love was based on eliminating alienation and sadness in life. From this phenomenon, researchers want to know how Erich Fromm's philosophy and conduct a critical study of his thoughts with the basis of the thoughts of Muslim philosophers. In this study, researchers used a philosophical approach, which is a study based on fundamental thinking about something. The method used is the analytical method to analyze the thoughts of Erich Fromm based on Muslim Philosopher views. Researchers also use the critical method to conduct a critical study of Erich Fromm's thoughts on love. From the studies that have been conducted, the author finds that Erich Fromm's philosophy of love has several differences with the philosophy of love in Islam. Erich Fromm tends to have a socialist psychoanalyst style of thinking. He judges everything based on its social usefulness, in contrast to the philosophy of love in Islam, which bases everything on deep thinking to reach the power and greatness of Allah SWT. This is influenced by the background of his life which was filled with polemics starting from World War 1-2. So that the characteristics of his thinking tend to be in the direction of liberating the human soul. So, in this case, researchers see that Erich Fromm's philosophy of love cannot be used as a complete foundation for understanding love. Muslims must study the love of other Muslim philosophers. Researchers recognize that this research has not reached the stage of perfection, but rather an effort that still has many shortcomings. So the researcher hopes that future researchers can take many lessons and be better in the future.

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